Knife Laws

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): Supplementary: noting the Attorney's intention to introduce legislation next year, will the Attorney support the Liberal opposition's amendment bill in the interim to help keep South Australians safe?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:33): Unfortunately, as I have already answered, they have taken one tiny little element and they've got nothing else around it.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I expect that when we come early next year, when we have our comprehensive bill to tackle knife crime, that has been developed with the input of SAPOL and people with concerns, I have no doubt that the inexperienced Leader of the Opposition will have no choice but to jump on board immediately.

What I am sure we won't see when we introduce that early next year is hours and hours and hours of delaying tactics from the honourable member's team in the lower house to try to stop important law and order reform passing the lower house. I am sure the honourable Leader of the Opposition in this chamber will talk to her colleagues and say, 'Don't do what you usually do. This is important reform that we must pass in the lower house.' I thank the honourable member for her indications of support already for our important reforms.

The PRESIDENT: Before I call on the Leader of the Opposition for her supplementary, Attorney, I am not sure you should be reflecting on the other place and the goings-on of the other place.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mrs Henderson, if you want to chat, go out to the back.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Don't encourage her, Attorney.