State Final Demand

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:23): Supplementary arising from the original answer, where the minister talked about his view that we are down 0.1 per cent: can the minister advise how this compares against other jurisdictions, and can the minister advise whether any other jurisdiction has had two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth in that respect?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:24): I haven't reviewed all of the figures—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: —but it is disappointing that we have seen a contraction in the state's economy. It is a disappointment. There was a whole range of factors. I tried to explain earlier; members opposite weren't prepared to listen. Of course, as we go into these uncharted waters, I think we actually need to be cognisant of the fact that there's going to be some particularly tough economic times for South Australia and the rest of the nation. Members opposite like to be a bit flippant. These are very concerning times.