Jing Lee, Better Community

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:29): The year 2025 has turned out to be an eventful one so far, both personally and professionally. This year marks my 15 years of service in the Parliament of South Australia and 45 years since my family's migration journey to Australia. I count my blessings every day and am grateful that South Australia has been my home for 45 years. Our beautiful state has given me, a first generation migrant, the great privilege and opportunity to do more than I could have ever imagined. It is this privilege that motivates me to continually give back to our community.

Since my announcement on 10 January 2025 of leaving the Liberal Party, it has been most rewarding and empowering to serve our community as an Independent member of parliament in the Legislative Council, covering 47 electorates across South Australia. Regardless of where people come from, where they live, or whether they are based in the city, suburbs or regional South Australia, I believe all South Australians should be empowered to make decisions and choices that are best for themselves, their families and communities.

Throughout my 15 years in parliament it has been an honour to work with constituents from all walks of life, advocating for South Australians of all cultures, industries, businesses and backgrounds. I have always been committed to ensuring accountability in government and have strived for positive change for our South Australian community. Because of my corporate and business background, it will not be a surprise to many people that I measure everything I do. Since 10 January 2025 to yesterday, 11 November, which consists of 306 days, I have attended 319 events, attended 233 meetings and engagements with constituents and stakeholders, made 110 speeches contributing to debates, bills and motions, and asked 42 important questions advocating for our community.

Every piece of legislation I have debated, every question I have asked, every motion and speech I have delivered, and every single event I have attended has been in the interests of putting our community first. Over the last 10 months, with my Independent hat on, members of our diverse community have openly shared their opinions, views and valuable insights with me about what they want to see in their elected representatives. I am grateful for the constructive feedback I have received, together with generous messages of support, guidance and encouragement, all of which have helped me pave the way to establish my new political party, Jing Lee—Better Community.

Our community has informed me that they do not want MPs who are divisive and who have extreme views. They want political leaders who are hardworking, who care about the issues most important to them, who have the courage to face challenges head on and work diligently to develop political policies and sensible solutions. Community members I have had the privilege to meet and work with over the years continue to put their trust in me, and they have strongly encouraged me to continue my important work representing them in parliament by charting my own course.

It was most humbling and heartening to learn that my constituents have been inspired by the prospect of a new political movement that is built on the foundation that community must always come first. My vision for South Australia is about building a better, safer community and a stronger economy. A strong commitment to serve the people of South Australia is the driving force behind who I am and what I do.

A better community means a place where individuals feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose, leading to collective growth and wellbeing, a better community where people feel valued and connected. Ultimately, a better community strives to meet the needs and aspirations of all its members and provides opportunities for everyone to grow and prosper. Grassroots engagement with everyday South Australians helped inform me that my party will resonate with our community, and will provide a powerful platform for hardworking South Australians to see themselves and their aspirations reflected in practical policies.