SA Water, Staff Bonuses

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:50): Today, I rise to address an issue of grave concern that demands our immediate attention. The recent revelation by The Advertiser, uncovered through a freedom of information request, has exposed a staggering figure: nearly $1 million in bonuses was paid to SA Water staff for their work during the 2022-23 River Murray flood event. This disclosure comes at a time when South Australians are grappling with an unbearable financial burden as water bills continue to rise amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis. The insensitivity of these bonus payments is not only out of touch but represents a profound disconnect from the hardships faced by our community.

South Australians are already reeling from the impact of soaring water bills, a direct result of failed water infrastructure policies. In this context, the news that nearly $1 million has been spent on bonuses for SA Water staff is a stark reminder of the misalignment between government actions and public expectations. The community is struggling and this kind of expenditure is seen as a blatant disregard for the financial presses ordinary South Australians are facing.

It is imperative for the government to provide a full and transparent explanation for why these bonuses were deemed appropriate. At a time when so many South Australians are doing it tough, this expenditure seems not only misplaced but utterly out of touch with the reality of those affected by the floods. Instead of using taxpayer money to enrich bureaucrats, it would have been far more beneficial to allocate these funds directly to the communities devastated by the flood. The decision to distribute bonuses under these circumstances reveals a troubling level of detachment from the actual needs of people.

Let me be unequivocally clear: while there is no doubt that SA Water staff put in considerable effort during the River Murray flooding, they were by no means the only ones working tirelessly. Numerous other individuals and agencies played critical roles in managing and mitigating the impacts of the disaster. The SES, PIRSA, the Department for Environment and Water and Green Industries all contributed significantly. Local councils along the River Murray, comprising dedicated staff and elected officials, worked around the clock for days, weeks and months to address the flood's acute impact, followed by its aftermath. These councils are still grappling with the extensive clean-up and feel abandoned by the Premier, Peter Malinauskas, and his Labor government.

Equally deserving of acknowledgement are the countless volunteers and volunteer organisations who worked tirelessly, often without compensation, for months on end. Their selfless efforts were vital in supporting affected communities and should not be overlooked. Yet this sacrifice seems to be overshadowed by the government's decision to award bonuses to SA Water staff.

The bonuses issued to SA Water staff represent more than just a financial misstep, they are a direct affront to the river communities still waiting for the government to fulfil its promises of rebuilding. Premier Malinauskas, during the peak of the flood, stood on a levee and assured the public that his government would 'Build back better'. However, the reality is that river communities are struggling to receive the support necessary to rebuild, let alone to rebuild better.

The contrast between the Premier's promises and the current state of these communities is both disgraceful and unacceptable. Furthermore, this situation exacerbates the frustration of those individuals, businesses and groups that were denied relief funding due to the government's narrow and restrictive eligibility criteria. The juxtaposition of rewarding bureaucrats while denying critical support to those in genuine need is not only disheartening but reflects poorly on the government's commitment to equitable and effective disaster relief.

Given these circumstances it is imperative that we demand a thorough review of the decision to award these bonuses. At the very least the government should be reallocating these funds to provide meaningful relief to communities along the River Murray who are still struggling with the aftermath of the floods. This is not merely a request but a necessary step to address the glaring inequities and to restore faith in the government's ability to manage disaster response and recovery effectively.

The Premier and his ministers must demonstrate they are capable of prioritising the needs of their citizens over government rewards. The current situation calls for immediate action to rectify this glaring injustice and to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. It is essential that the government reassesses its approach to disaster management and community support, ensuring that those who have borne the brunt of these crises receive the assistance that they rightfully deserve.

The revelation of these bonuses is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more compassionate and responsible approach to managing public resources, particularly in times of crisis. It is important for the government to act decisively, address the concerns of its constituents and ensure that all efforts are focused on genuinely supporting and rebuilding the communities affected by the floods. The people of South Australia and river communities deserve no less.