State Debt

The Hon. S.L. GAME (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General, representing the Treasurer, regarding government debt.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: In the 2024-25 state budget the Treasurer advised that general government debt would rise from $19.1 billion on 30 June 2024 to $33.6 billion by 30 June 2028, an extra $12.4 billion in four years. This represents a 56 per cent increase in interest repayment expenses for taxpayers. The South Australian Government Financing Authority raises money from lenders by issuing pieces of paper that are government-backed promises to repay the lender. The South Australian Government Financing Authority is now issuing bonds under a 'sustainability' label program. This means money can be borrowed by the government for climate change programs under the Paris Agreement. My questions to the Attorney-General, representing the Treasurer, are:

1. How much money has been borrowed under the government's sustainability program and specifically for what projects?

2. Has the government borrowed money to fund energy rebates to South Australian taxpayers?

3. Has the government been transparent to taxpayers that the interest repayments on Paris Agreement support projects will be paid before patients in hospitals have their needs met, for example, and before contracts to upgrade public schools are signed?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:45): I am happy to take those questions on notice and seek some responses from the Treasurer and bring them back to the chamber. While I am doing that, I might also ask the Treasurer about the former Liberal government's complete mismanagement and inability to deliver services and include them in the answer as well.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I am trying to be helpful.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: We are waiting. The Hon. Ms Girolamo, you have the call, when you are ready.