President, Election

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (11:22): I remind the council that the time has arrived for the election of its President.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (11:22): I move:

That the Hon. T.J. Stephens take the chair of the council as President.

The CLERK: Is the motion seconded?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I second the motion.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (11:22): I submit myself to the will of the council.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS (11:22): I nominate the Hon. Mr Hunter.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (11:22): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I nominate the Hon. Mr Ngo.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. T.T. NGO (11:23): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I nominate the Hon. Mr Wortley.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (11:23): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I nominate the Hon. Mr Hanson.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (11:23): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I nominate the Hon. Ms Pnevmatikos.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (11:23): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I nominate the Hon. Mr Martin.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (11:23): I do not submit.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

An honourable member: No.

The CLERK: There being no other nominations, I declare the Hon. T.J. Stephens duly elected as President of the council.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens was escorted to the President's chair by the Hon. K.J. Maher and the Hon. N.J. Centofanti.

The PRESIDENT (11:24): I would like to thank all honourable members for their support. We have a chamber of five parties. We will have robust discussion. I will try to ensure that there is respect paid to all and, again, I thank you for your support.

At 11:25, accompanied by a deputation of members, the President proceeded to Government House.

On the council reassembling at 11:54:

The PRESIDENT: I have to report that, accompanied by honourable members, I proceeded to Government House and there presented myself as President to Her Excellency the Governor and claimed for the council the right of free access to and communication with Her Excellency that the most favourable construction might be placed on all its proceedings. Her Excellency was pleased to reply to the honourable President and honourable members of the Legislative Council:

I congratulate the honourable members of the Legislative Council on their choice of a President. I readily assure you, Mr President, of my confirmation of all the constitutional rights and privileges of the Legislative Council, the proceedings of which will always receive my most favourable consideration.

Signed, Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia, and dated Tuesday 3 May 2022.

Sitting suspended from 11:55 to 14:30.