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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-29 Daily Xml
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Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Mr BATTY (Bragg) (15:39): I rise to update the house on a couple of issues affecting the community of Greenhill. The first of those issues that I have been working on recently is one to do with Australia Post deliveries and parcels, and particularly some issues that arise through Greenhill's designation as a roadside delivery zone, meaning it is very difficult for residents in Greenhill to be able to get their parcels delivered.

I have been working and engaging with Australia Post on this issue on behalf of constituents in Greenhill. They cite a couple of reasons for this designation. The first is: 'difficult terrain'—which I do not really accept because, once you are up the hill it is relatively easy to get around Greenhill, and access letterboxes—and secondly, 'population density', and I do not accept that either because the population in Greenhill has in fact steadily grown.

So I am continuing to work with Australia Post on that issue and have formally requested that the RSD zone designation be reconsidered because I think the community of Greenhill deserves the same level of service as anyone else.

The other main issue I have been working on in the Greenhill area has been Greenhill Road. I have been calling for urgent road maintenance on the stretch of Greenhill Road between Glynburn Road and Mount Lofty Summit Road. This is something that I have been dealing with, with the previous minister and am following up now with the new minister, and hope we can get some fixes for the community of Greenhill.

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:41): I rise today to speak with deep sadness on the recent and sudden passing of John Baker AM ESM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia, and to pay tribute to his life and contribution to the surf lifesaving community. I firstly extend my heartfelt condolences to John's wife, Jo, his family and friends and the entire surf lifesaving community. This is a loss not just felt in South Australia but across our nation.

John's service to surf lifesaving spanned more than 40 years. He began his journey in 1977 with the Brighton Surf Life Saving club, a place that would remain his home base for the rest of his life. He was a life member, an active patrolling volunteer, and a steadfast supporter of the values that underpin the movement.

He was a leader of extraordinary calibre. John served as President of Surf Life Saving South Australia for 10 years and, since 2021, as President of Surf Life Saving Australia. Across 15 years on the South Australian board and 14 years on the national board, his vision helped guide the organisation through change, growth and the challenges of a constantly evolving coastal environment.

John was also deeply committed on the frontline. For over three decades he served as one of the longest standing volunteer crew members of the South Australia Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service taking part in countless rescues and patrols to protect our coastline. John understood that surf lifesaving is not just about sport or service but safety in our community.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (15:42): I earlier offered my gratitude to all of the staff who have served during my 16 years in the parliament. I now particularly wish to express my thanks to my current team, who continue to serve our community. I hope they know how much I value them. I brought them in here for dinner last sitting week and it was a delightful evening.

It is my privilege to continue to call them my colleagues for a little time more, so I say thank you to Lachlan Skinner, Darinka Jovicevic, Di Clarke, Pat Gobell and Natasha Weggery. Finally, to Kahlia Aunger, who first came into our office for an interview as a trainee nearly 14 years ago. From trainee to office manager with a wedding and three babies in between, we are looking forward to your final return from maternity leave in January, Kahlia, just in time for us all to start our next adventures.

To the public servants who supported our office and who worked in this building, I also extend my thanks and recognise their immense contribution. I had a good understanding of that service as a minister. Since I have become a regular listener to The Westminster Tradition, not all episodes but most, I have particularly increased my understanding of the value of that service.

None of us would be able to achieve anything without our teams, our staff and the public servants who support them. None of us in politics would be able to do that without that support. Any mistakes have been mine, anything I have built I have built with them, and I thank them all.