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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-09-08 Daily Xml
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Assistant Minister for Autism

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:36): My questions are to the parliamentary secretary regarding her role as Assistant Minister for Autism:

1. How many additional FTEs have been allocated to assist in her role as Assistant Minister for Autism?

2. What budget allocation has been provided to support her role as Assistant Minister for Autism?

3. Is she receiving any additional loading in her new role?

4. Which department or agency will her extra staff or financial resources come from in relation to her autism portfolio responsibility?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:36): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am delighted to get up and stand here today to talk about this incredible new position. I think all South Australians should be proud, and everyone in this chamber—no matter what side of the chamber you are on—should be proud that South Australia is leading the way in this space.

South Australia has been put on the map in regard to what we are doing in this space. For the first time not just in South Australia, for the first time not just in this country, but potentially for the first time in the world, we have a sole member of government focused on autism, and that is an incredible achievement.

That has been achieved not because we thought of it overnight. It has been achieved because we did something extraordinary: we consulted with the community. We did that time and time again whilst we were in opposition, that is why we have been able to create this position, and I am really proud that we have achieved that.

In regard to your questions: have there been any further FTE positions created? No. Is there a budget allocated to me? No. Am I increasing my loading? No. I am doing this for the right reasons, and I am so proud of that, because I will work every day to make this a success, because it is not about me, it is not about a loading. I am not doing this for money; I am doing this for the community that needs it. They have called time and again for this to be a focus. Your government didn't listen—we have. Your government didn't do anything—we have, and we will continue to do things.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Point of order: all members are supposed to refer through you not directly to members in this chamber.

The PRESIDENT: You should refer your answers back through me.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: Thank you, Mr President. The previous government did not do anything and we have. The previous government did not create this role, but we did. I will not be receiving a loading to undertake this role; it will be a privilege for me to do it every single day of the week in my capacity as the parliamentary secretary.

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