Climate Change

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:13): My question is to the Treasurer regarding the budget, but before I ask my question I seek leave to make a brief explanatory statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: South Australia is in the midst of a climate emergency. Over the last few years we have seen bushfires and drought ravage our state. My question to the Treasurer therefore is: given the climate crisis faced by South Australians, why did he fail to mention climate change even once in his budget speech?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:14): Because this government is already well renowned for being one of the leaders in terms of recognising the importance of climate change. It is just implicit in our DNA here in South Australia. We live and breathe it every day.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: We don't have to parrot it at every particular public occasion. As I said, it is within our DNA. We live and breathe it every day—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! I am sure the Hon. Mr Simms would like to listen to the answer.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —and no-one needs to convince the Premier—

The Hon. J.E. Hanson interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —the Minister for the Environment or me as the Treasurer—

The Hon. J.E. Hanson: It's a disgrace!

The PRESIDENT: Order, the Hon. Mr Hanson!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —of the critical importance of climate change and we are active leaders in many environmental issues.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, the Hon. Ms Bourke!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: There are a number of very significant environmental initiatives outlined in the budget speech—

The Hon. J.E. Hanson: You lead on the environment like Napoleon going backwards!

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —and as all members would know, I am just such an unashamed supporter of the environmental lead that our Premier and our Minister for Environment have taken over the last three years.