Business Confidence

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:28): Supplementary: the Hansard will show that I asked whether the land tax policy of this government improved or damaged business confidence.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: That was your second question.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: It was my supplementary question. To what extent have sustained levels of high unemployment in South Australia improved or damaged business confidence?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:28): Mr President, this is a relentless onslaught from the—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I am reeling. I am reeling, Mr President, at the relentless onslaught. There was actually, in the last monthly figures, a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in South Australia. Why do I remember that? Because the two previous months, when there was an increase, I represented the government. Last month, when there was a reduction, minister Pisoni represented the government. It was only fair: Treasurers are there to absorb the bad news when it occasionally occurs. More importantly, the most recent unemployment figures showed a significant decline in South Australia from the two previous monthly figures.

The PRESIDENT: Further supplementary, the Hon. Ms Scriven.