Riverland

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:53): One of the many privileges of being a Legislative Councillor is the opportunity to meet and represent different communities across our state. Today, I pay tribute to one of our many regions, our beautiful Riverland. The two stand-out features of the Riverland are the pristine environment and the wonderful community, made up of towns, farms and orchards along the River Murray.

During my most recent visit I joined my colleagues, the Hon. Emily Bourke MLC and the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos MLC, in talking to local businesses and community members about the proposed changes to shop trading hours. The Riverland went through its own deregulation process some 17 years ago, and we were keen to hear from local business owners about how this process has affected them over the years.

I valued the discussions I had with local business owners. Mostly, I heard from people who wanted to ensure that consumers are provided with a choice to purchase produce that is locally supplied from a business that is locally owned. Small businesses and locally owned businesses rely on trade when the large chain supermarkets are closed. This is also the case in regional areas. Deregulation of shop trading hours in the city threatens to have an impact on regional areas; namely, if a retail worker is required to be at work on public holidays in the metropolitan area, it is less likely that families will have the time to visit our regional areas on a long weekend, which impacts on local trade, local farmers and tourism.

Towns and communities based along the River Murray—the lifeblood of our state—have made such an important contribution to our state, not least in their fight for the future health and sustainability of the River Murray. The previous Labor government worked closely with local businesses, irrigators and farmers and secured an additional commitment of 450 gigalitres and $445 million for our state's future.

The previous Labor government also acted swiftly after the ABC's Four Corners program aired allegations of water theft by upstream irrigators. The Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission is now well underway. Labor fought to protect South Australia's interests and ensure that we receive every drop of water that we are entitled to receive.

From opposition, Labor will continue to stand up for South Australia and hold the federal Liberal government to account. To that end, the Liberal state government must act on the findings of the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission and ensure that they stand up for the health and wellbeing of the Murray-Darling Basin. The wellbeing and sustainability of Riverland communities depends on a healthy river. Water theft by upstream irrigators can and should be stopped. The Liberal state government must be forthright with their federal colleagues and demand a comprehensive response on water theft in the northern basin—anything less would be the worst outcome for our state.

I would also like to pay tribute to a true blue local, Mr Sim Singh-Malhi, who put up his hand to be Labor's candidate in the seat of Chaffey, which encompasses the Riverland community. Sim is a tenacious, passionate and hardworking young man. Sim's passion for his local community was evident on the campaign trail. He doorknocked on 42º days and relished the opportunity to chat to people about important local issues.

Sim is reliable and persistent. He followed up on issues raised and advocated on behalf of many people who he had spoken to throughout the campaign. Sim grew up in the Riverland and his family are fruit and vegetable growers. Sim has firsthand experience when it comes to the importance of preserving the health and sustainability of the River Murray. It was always going to be a tough ask for Sim to be elected, but he gave it his best shot and he should be proud of his efforts.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the tough times that the Riverland communities have experienced over the past years owing to the Millennium Drought. Nevertheless, the local community is resilient and has persevered. We are seeing increasing demand for produce from the region and at better prices. Locally grown and top quality produce such as citrus, almonds and stone fruits is exported all over the world.

A thriving Riverland presents strong job opportunities, particularly for our young people. I was proud to be part of the Labor team that secured $265 million in federal funds for river communities and the future health of the River Murray. I note that, through the creation of the River Murray Sustainability Program, $1 billion of economic activity has already been generated. My Labor colleagues and I look forward to working with the Riverland community in the future to promote good policies for the region, the community and the economy.