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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
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STATE ECONOMY

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide) (14:30): My question is to the Premier. Will the Premier update the house on what the government is doing to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: There is plenty of scope there.

Mr PISONI: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley.

Mr PISONI: No. 97 actually refers to comment in questions. It was obvious that the 'stronger economy' was opinion.

The SPEAKER: No. I think what the member for Port Adelaide was asking is: what things, if any, has the Premier done to bring about a stronger economy and a fairer society? The answer could possibly be nothing, but we shall see.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order: if the question actually means what you've said it does—'if any'—then surely it's hypothetical and should be ruled out of order.

The SPEAKER: No, that doesn't make it hypothetical. It is a frivolous point of order. The Premier.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for the Arts) (14:31): I thank the honourable member for her important question. Over the past 100 days, just to pick a number, some very important initiatives have been made to help the most needy members of our community and to ensure that South Australia's economy continues to grow because, ultimately, that's the purpose of a growing economy—it's for people, and that's where we've been addressing our attention.

The release of the economic statement in March gives South Australians a full and candid picture about the challenges that are before us, where we've been in the past, where we are now and the things that need to change in the future if we're to make the most of our opportunities. It sets out a very clear set of choices about four areas of the economy that will make the most difference: advanced manufacturing, a vibrant city, clean premium food and our mining services. It's a document that has a clear-eyed analysis and is based on independent modelling. It also shows that, under any model scenario, South Australia's economy continues to grow.

From the first of my trips overseas as Premier, it became clear to me that many people accepted that we had a great story to tell about South Australia—at least, those on this side of the house think we have a great story to tell—but they didn't know where it was coming from. That's why the unveiling of the new brand in March was an important milestone in the state's economic development. If you want preference for your state, in terms of investment, in terms of people coming here, in terms of students coming here and people making this home more permanently, they have to know about us. They have to be aware of what we have on offer.

For the first time, we have a common but adaptable brand mark that can be used by business, government, industries and organisations to promote South Australia and tell our story to the world. The brand was very well received on our recent successful delegation to China, which strengthened the relationship between South Australia and Shandong—that extraordinary, powerful province of China—with many South Australian businesses reporting unprecedented access because of the government-led delegation.

While delivering a stronger economy is a crucial part of the role of government, ensuring that society's most disadvantaged get a fair go goes to the core of this government's belief systems. That's why this government was the first state to sign up to the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, known as DisabilityCare, and that is a very proud achievement for this great state.

DisabilityCare will completely transform the disability care and support system in this state and, indeed, in this nation. It will mean more choice and control, more independence and more opportunities for people with disabilities to be involved in school, work and community life. Importantly, it gives all South Australians the peace of mind knowing that, if a loved one is born with or acquires a disability, they will get the care and support they need.

We also value the contribution of those who provide these services to people in our community—the most vulnerable people. Some of our lowest-paid workers provide some of the most important services and they have been systematically undervalued for years. Many of them have had the awful choice about demanding an increase in wages in recognition of a fair day's pay for a fair day's work and knowing that that might otherwise be taken out of the services that would go to their disadvantaged clients.

We have now committed to providing $119 million in funding to ensure our lowest paid workers receive a pay rise of between 23 and 45 per cent. People who have been doing the caring work are now getting the decent wages that are necessary. This remedies a longstanding injustice that too many industries that were formerly dominated by women have, sadly, had to put up with for many years.

The SPEAKER: Alas, the Premier's time has expired. I call to order the members for Schubert and Heysen for repeatedly interjecting, and the member for Goyder (previously a cleanskin) and the deputy leader for interjecting.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: It is proximity to the member for Kavel, I am told.

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