Superloop Adelaide 500

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:46): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Treasurer regarding major events.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS: At the age of five, Sam spoke his first full sentence at the Adelaide 500. He told Mark Skaife that he was going to drive in his car. Sam is autistic and at a young age his parents were told by doctors that he would be non-verbal for life. His parents believed that, until that moment at the Adelaide 500. From then, Sam pursued his interest in motorsports, from racing carts to now being in his third year of his mechanical engineering degree. His dream of getting into V8 Supercars is now a step closer.

The Adelaide 500, to Sam, his parents and many other families, is an opportunity to dare to dream and an opportunity for families to get together and to meet their heroes. My question to the Treasurer is: what does the Treasurer say to Sam and his family, along with many others like them, about abandoning an event that has so much more value than its economic indicators?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:47): What I would say is that is a fabulous story and it's inspiring, and I love hearing those sorts of stories. We are all inspired to hear those sorts of stories. I join with the honourable member, and I am sure all other members, in congratulating the young man on his achievements and aspirations for the future. If he believes enough and dreams enough, as many young people do, I am sure he will achieve all of his dreams and successes, because there will still be Supercars racing in South Australia, and in Australia, I am sure.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Pangallo has a supplementary.