Legislative Council: Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Contents

Establishment of Adelaide University

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General and the Premier a question about the university merger.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: Similar to other members in this chamber, I was somewhat surprised and disappointed with the Premier's announcement this morning that he had done a deal with the Hon. Connie Bonaros and the Hon. Sarah Game to get his university legislation over the line. I have not settled on a position. I know I said to the Premier that I would need to engage with stakeholders once the report was finalised, but he seemed to be impatient to get his win. My questions to the Attorney-General and the Premier are:

1. Is One Nation now seeking support for Labor to repeal the legislated South Australian Voice to Parliament as a condition for their vote?

2. How can the Attorney-General be comfortable that Labor has jumped into bed with One Nation, which has savaged and wants to dismantle Labor's signature Voice legislation?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for his question. I'm happy to repeat what I said earlier. I know from media reports I have seen today that members of this chamber have said to the effect that they have considered the proposal on its merits and what's best for South Australia. But, as I said to the Hon. Robert Simms, I will say again: I am happy to pass on to my colleagues in the other place to see if they wish to add to that reply.

I don't think I could have been any more clear yesterday in this government's steadfast commitment to the election of the South Australian First Nations Voice that will occur on 16 March next year. Let me be completely unequivocal: these elections will be going ahead. We will be meeting the aspirations, desires and hopes of the South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.