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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-11-27 Daily Xml
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Adjournment Debate

Valedictories

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (18:12): I move:

That the council at its rising adjourn until Tuesday 5 May 2026.

In moving the motion, I might take a moment, as is tradition at this time of the year, to reflect on the year that has been in this chamber during 2025. It has again been a year of substantial progress, robust debate, the occasional raised eyebrow—mostly from you, Mr President—and more than a few moments when time itself bent in curious ways as we tried to fit 12 months of work into what often felt like 12 minutes.

At the conclusion of business this afternoon, I am advised this chamber has passed 71 separate pieces of legislation totalling, as of nine minutes ago, some 211 hours of debate. If you consider this tally—71 bills over a total of 211 sitting hours—it means that for every bill that we pass, we sit for nearly three hours. This chamber has scrutinised, amended and looked at legislation very carefully, and that is something I think we can all be proud of. A significant portion of this year's work has centred on the safety and the rights of people in the community. We have seen legislation during the course of the year that will no doubt change lives.

As the 55th term of parliament comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to make some acknowledgements. To the crossbench: you bear workloads entirely disproportionate to your headcount. Thank you for your constructive engagement and spirited contributions, and a particular note of gratitude to the Hon. Connie Bonaros and the Hon. Tammy Franks, whose telling offs of various members of this chamber could fill a short novel easily.

Thank you to the Hon. Robert Simms, whose love for regional rail and the banks of Coober Pedy have become somewhat legendary. Thank you to the Hon. Sarah Game, whose new party Sarah Game Fair Go for All Australians has one of the most difficult acronyms of all parties: I think it is SGFGFAA. I would like to recognise the newest member of the crossbench in this chamber, the Hon. Jing Lee, who is yet to find an 18½ anniversary of a community organisation that she has not moved a motion for.

To the honourable member who is a most recent departure from the crossbench, and soon from this chamber, I am advised at moments like this—one of my staff did this for me—ChatGPT would say, 'Frank Pangallo leaves a legacy of sharp questionings and brief explanations that were anything but. The chamber won't forget his passion or his talent for turning a quick point into a full tour of the issue.' I do not have any references for this, I am afraid.

To the two whips, the Hon. Ian Hunter and the Hon. Laura Henderson, our thanks for ensuring members are where they need to be when they need to be there. To the Hon. Nicola Centofanti, the Leader of the Opposition, thank you for your regular pragmatic discussions that actually often prevent issues before they emerge. I have said it before: I think people find it quite strange how well we all get on, but particularly the leaders of parties necessarily need to have dialogue to make sure this place functions as it should. It leaves us with a better sort of parliament. I would also like to take a moment to appreciate the ability of the Leader of the Opposition to turn any given question time into The Country Hour.

Thank you to the Clerk, the Usher of the Black Rod and everyone in the Legislative Council team: Leslie, Kate, Emma, Anthony, Super Mario, Charles, Kylie and Todd. Thank you to the new Executive Officer of Joint Services, Megan Bradman, as well as all the people who work on the committees: Hansard, library, finance, building services, IT, cleaning, Centre Hall security and People and Culture staff. Thank you also to the catering staff and the Blue Room staff who keep us fuelled—particularly the Blue Room staff who, for reasons I do not understand, still will not allow me to buy anything that has white bread, pasta or sugar in it.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to my staff in the Attorney-General's office: Leanne, Nikki, Sophie, Maddy, Luke, Scarlett, Karla, Ashton, Caroline and Rachel, as well as the legislative services team in the Attorney-General's Department who regularly work very late into the night so that members receive timely and deeply informed advice. Thank you to my ministerial staff: Patrick, Roland, Angas, Laura, Elliette, Jenny, Riley and Amelia. Thank you for your support, your patience and your ability to recommend episodes of a series I have never seen anything of but is talked about often called Below Deck and their regular references to Taylor Swift songs that I know nothing about, except her first two country albums.

I particularly would like to thank Craig Williams, my ministerial driver. I am getting a bit emotional. Craig is retiring. Craig started only a month after I became a minister way back at the start of 2015. I think we worked out we have clocked up something like three quarters of a million miles together, largely to remote Aboriginal communities in South Australia and occasionally across the borders in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. In many weeks I will spend many more hours with Craig than I will with any member of my own family. In fact, when Craig and I started, my kids were just starting at primary school and some of them are now halfway through university. It is almost a growing-up of children that he has been with me for.

He has been an absolute champion. He is actually an exceptionally good driver. I think he has won his class 10 times in the Targa Tasmania when it was running. He is a 14-times national Motorkhana champion for Minis. He is an exceptionally good driver and a very, very good friend. I will miss him when he retires at this state election.

It is only right that I acknowledge some of the other honourable members who will not be joining us in the chamber as we come back in the next parliament. To you, Mr President, first and foremost, thank you for your patience, your leadership and your persistence in refereeing the contests that occur in this chamber. On the other side they have been doing it all night, and I am glad you have called them out so often! I am sure the Hon. Russell Wortley is particularly thankful for your leadership here and for regularly pulling him into line.

I believe that your community, sir, is very proud of your championing of investment and services for Whyalla in this chamber, particularly in relation to your commitment to regional infrastructure, business support and housing concerns. I know you have been counting down the minutes until this year ends, I think, sir. I think sometimes you have trouble hiding your contempt for our antics in the chamber, but you have persisted exceptionally well.

On a personal note, it is sad to see one of the last remaining links to my old boss, Terry Roberts, leaving the chamber. I know that we will miss you in this chamber, and, if it is not revealing too much, I have enjoyed your company—even a number of ministers, over the journey, have been to your place at Wallaroo for drinks. It shows how well you work with people right across the chamber, sir. Quite frankly: bravo, our President.

I want to acknowledge the Hon. Tammy Franks. In her time, Tammy has been a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. She has played a key role in advocating for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Australia. As I mentioned in a recent contribution, I suspect that—like her colleague before her, the Hon. Mark Parnell, who left this chamber and within a year saw the passing of the voluntary assisted dying legislation—this is an inevitable reform that will pass because of the work the Hon. Tammy Franks has done. She has also been a relentless voice for the environment, mental health, Aboriginal communities and animal rights, just to mention a few things.

Of course, as always, she has kept everyone in line. I think it was mentioned earlier today that people have been terrified of Tammy Franks, and I cannot imagine that anyone's terror of Tammy has lessened during her time in this chamber. You do not wish for Tammy to get up and be annoyed at what you just said—it is not worth your while.

I also want to acknowledge a retirement in the other place, that of the Hon. Susan Close. It has been a privilege to work alongside Susan. I certainly will miss her dearly as she leaves a legacy for South Australia.

To the electors of South Australia, who entrust all of us who are here, all 22 members, with making laws for the benefit of all South Australians: everything we do, every debate, every reform, every time we are here to 6.58am—thank you, Rob, and thank you, Frank—we do so in the service of the people of South Australia. We might have different ways we come to it, but we are all here because we are trying to make the world a better place for generations to come. As we conclude the 55th term of the South Australian parliament, I wish all members a safe and restful holiday period. May your new year be peaceful, productive and, as always, full of sausage rolls.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (18:22): Before I begin my contribution to this motion, I move an amendment to it:

Delete '5 May 2026' and insert '3 February 2026'.

I do this simply because, given the magnitude of the harmful algal bloom and the deep uncertainty it continues to cast over our marine environments, our seafood sector and our coastal communities, it is clear that this parliament cannot simply pack up for the summer and hope for the best. This government has not provided the confidence, the clarity or the urgency that South Australians deserve, particularly in only tabling key documents to this crisis on the last day of the sitting calendar, prior to an election. Key questions remain unanswered. I further indicate to the chamber that I will be calling a division on this amendment so that the people of South Australia can clearly see which members of this parliament are willing to return to ensure the standards of good governance are being upheld.

Mr President, given this is your final stretch in the chair, perhaps the final minutes, I thought I would give you a parting treat, or perhaps a trial, by delivering my Christmas message in the form of a poem. So here it goes:

Today, with the year drawing near its conclusion,

I offer my reflections…in rhyme and in fusion.

And I promise, before panic sweeps right through this place

No tapping of glasses, no vocal disgrace.

For unlike Minister Scriven—whose singing we've endured

My own 'talents' would have HR immediately reassured

That poetry, not music, is safest for all—

So a poem it is...let's begin the recall.


T'was a month before Christmas and through Parliament House,

Not a minister was stirring,

except maybe one mouse (and I will let you decide who that is, Mr President)

The government's agenda lay scattered with care,

In hopes that next year competence might appear there.


Five-day consultations, bills half made and half read

It's a Christmas miracle anything moved ahead.

We've rewritten, redrafted, repaired as we go,

While ministers insist 'It's fine', when it simply ain't so.


And the Hon. Tung—dear Tung—our steadfast friend so,

Forever consistent, a resounding Mr 'NO'.

On bills, on amendments, on procedural plays,

He shuts them down in spectacular ways.

If Christmas had Tung written into the score,

We'd all be singing No-el No-el, followed by NO once more.


Now Reggie and I have had quite the year,

Hospital beds side by side—festive, I fear.

He nearly lost a leg, I lost the feeling in mine,

Proof this job pushes the limits of 'fine'.

Yet through pain, politics, pressure and grit,

We still front up here—because we're stubborn, not physically fit.


And outside we've seen farmers work hard, fishers steady and strong,

Communities showing strength all year long.

From droughts to toxic blooms to challenges new,

South Australians have done what they always do.

They pulled together, lent hands and stood tall,

A quiet reminder of the heart of us all.


In here we've pressed on—this chamber and this crew.

Through debates fiery, hilarious and occasionally askew

And credit where due, Deputy Premier, I concede:

You've taught me some things I never knew I'd need.

Like where to find the best sausage roll,

And to breathe deep and smile when debate takes its toll.


You steer the government ship through each parliamentary storm,

While I, from opposition, ensure things don't stay too warm.

And though I do tend to rise…occasionally with speed,

You managed it all with a leadership that does the deed.


And to my Liberal colleagues, a team strong and true,

Each day you show commitment in all that you do.

Through late-night amendments and long committee fights,

Through briefings and questions and endless red lights,

You stand by each other with purpose and grace,

Bringing strength, steady humour and heart to this place.

It's a privilege to lead you, to walk side by side,

In a team where tenacity and duty abide.


And Mira and Laura—our champions this year,

Who brought tiny new humans into our parliamentary sphere.

While we argued amendments and stressed over bills,

You were juggling feeding times and late-night refills.

Your balance, your strength, your soft, steady glow

Have inspired all around you far more than you know.


To the staff, who keep parliament running like a machine.

With patience, precision and professionalism seen—

From Hansard to research, from security to clerks,

From catering to cleaners—your work is the spark

That lights this whole building and gets us all through,

And we are grateful for everything you quietly do.


To my own team on level 2—your dedication shines bright.

You carry me through every long day and long night.

Your commitment, your humour, your brilliance, your pace,

You are the heartbeat and spine of the Centofanti base.

And to colleagues across all parties and sides,

Despite disagreements, bumps and divides,

We somehow survive it, year after year,

With respect and good humour that keeps us all here.


And today brings a moment both heavy and bright.

For you, Mr President, take your final chamber flight.

For many you are our mentor, our compass, our guide,

Who's led this sometimes wild chamber with dignity and pride.

You have brought wisdom and steadiness to every long day,

Though a smile, I admit, did not always come your way—

Especially, Mr President, when I was yelling mid-speech

Or testing the supplementary—just slightly out of reach.

And, though we'll miss your rulings, your presence, your art,

You leave us with our thanks—and a piece of our heart.


As Christmas approaches and the year takes its bow,

Let's exhale the chaos we're all carrying now.

Spare thoughts for those struggling, for families in pain,

For communities praying next year will not be the same.

May kindness surround them, may support find its way,

And may hope shine a little brighter this holiday.


So to all gathered here—may your break be serene.

Your to-do lists shorter, your inboxes clean.

May your sausage rolls be plentiful, coffee strong and your stress levels slight,

And may no-one attempt festive solos on site.


Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night—

And may next year's legislation be at least half written right.


Sitting extended beyond 18:30 on motion of Hon. K.J. Maher.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (18:29): Very briefly, I will comment on the amendment. I will not be supporting the amendment. I certainly understand the argument around wanting to see scrutiny of the algal bloom crisis in the new year, but we have a parliamentary committee that has been established to look into that. The government have given me an assurance that government members will be available in January and into February, and I will be holding them to that.

I have that assurance in writing that the committee will be continuing during that period. I look forward to being able to scrutinise the summer plan as well as the documents that have been tabled in the parliament. I am also mindful of the significant cost to taxpayers should we bring the parliament in for just one day. Given the other place will not be sitting, there would not be the capacity to actually pass legislation or make laws, so I will not be supporting the opposition's amendment in this instance. However, rest assured, I will be working during the break to make sure we have a spotlight on the algal bloom.

Putting the politics aside, I briefly want to wish everybody a very merry Christmas. One of the things I think that is really great about our chamber is the collegial and respectful way that we all work together. I know all of us this year have had different challenges, whether they be professional or personal challenges, and I think we all make allowances for each other and treat everybody with respect. Long may that continue to be the case.

In particular, if you will indulge me, I want to thank my staff for all their support during what has been a very challenging year: Sean, Tabitha, Jesse and Louise. It is a great team and they all work really hard. To those members who are departing, I wish them all the best, and to those who are standing for re-election, I wish them the best as well. I know it is a stressful time ahead.

Finally, I know all of us at this time of year are thinking about those South Australians who are less fortunate than ourselves. I know that our state is in the middle of a housing crisis and an economic crisis, and Christmas can be a challenging and lonely time for a lot of people. My thoughts, as always at this time of year, are with those South Australians who are struggling. I hope that the new year brings happier times for our troubled world.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (18:32): I echo the same sentiments as the Hon. Robert Simms and indicate, for the same reasons as the Hon. Robert Simms, that I will not be supporting the amendment to this motion. I will not repeat what the Hon. Rob Simms said. I think he articulated that very well.

Moving on from that, thank you, Mr President, and I wish you a happy retirement. To all the people outside of this place who make every day in here possible and who give so much of their time—I do not know why I am crying today, but I am; I have been crying all week and the week before—freely and fearlessly, thank you. To all my colleagues and to all the very good people in this place, and Nicky and Karen, I thank you sincerely for all your work and service. Bless you all. Like everybody else, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

To all my team, Jody, Luke and Simon, thank you so much for everything. There is only one thing I want to say today, which is why I am crying, and that is to my family and to my brother, Harry, and Bec, I love you so much and I miss you. To my sister, I cannot do anything without you. To the little apple of my eye, my bubba, I love you. To all my kids, there are no words, just love. To mum and dad, thank you. Go well everybody. Mr President, it would not be a me speech if I did not end by saying, 'Long live Palestine.'

The Hon. J.S. LEE (18:34): I also join the Hon. Robert Simms as well as the Hon. Connie Bonaros to say that I will not be supporting the amendment by the Hon. Nicola Centofanti. I agree with the Hon. Robert Simms' reasonings for that, and I echo those same sentiments.

This has been a very challenging and eventful year, to say the least, but I want to thank the government and all my parliamentary colleagues, the opposition, for the smooth transition. This has been a very eventful year. I made a departure from the Liberal Party in January this year, then I kind of became a trendsetter in some way—not in a fashion sense—but I was followed by the Hon. Tammy Franks leaving the Greens, and then the Hon. Sarah Game leaving One Nation, and then we had the Hon. Frank Pangallo jumping from Independent into the Liberal benches. It has been a really eventful year.

I do want to thank the President, the Hon. Terry Stephens, for being understanding and working with the Clerk and all the Legislative Council staff to help me make the move to a new office. I want to thank the Hon. Tammy Franks for her grace and courtesy and willingness to swap seats with me during that time as well. I really am grateful.

I want to wish the outgoing members—whom I have respect for in different ways—I want to wish you well in your retirement. I want to thank you for your distinguished service in this place. I think we all agree that we are elected by the people of South Australia, and it is a great honour, it is a great privilege. Out of the 69 members in parliament and 1.8 million people, it is a great privilege to be serving the people of South Australia. We are contesting the election, many of us. I wish everyone the best of luck. I am not sure whether I will have the fortune or not to get re-elected again but, with a heart of gratitude, I want to thank every single member of parliament, every single staff member from catering, Hansard, the Clerks, the messengers and everyone who serves in this place. It is a very, very special place.

I do not want to end my speech without expressing my sincere, sincere thanks to my staff, particularly to my Chief of Staff Grace McInerney. Many of you know that Grace actually joined my office as a trainee some nine years ago. She returned to my office later on and became my office manager. Later on, she continued as a loyal staff member to me when I became an Independent. She is smart, she is diligent, she is caring, she is hardworking; it is a dream to actually have such a loyal staff member working for a member of parliament. We all thank our staff, but I particularly want to thank Grace McInerney.

When Grace took maternity leave, Nicholas Shortland—who was at the time a trainee in transition—took on the challenge to become my acting office manager. I want to thank Nicholas Shortland for his dedication and hard work as well. Later on, when I became an Independent, I had two new staff who joined me this year. I want to thank Michelle Cheetham as a policy adviser, as well as Irina Roik as my new office manager. All my staff have been working really hard. Instantaneously overnight I became a shadow minister for every portfolio, and I had to handle every single bill and motion, but I could not have done that work without my staff.

I understand the emotion the Hon. Connie Bonaros was going through earlier. I was thinking: my goodness, there is a lot of sacrifice a member has to make when you come into this place of work. The hours are endless. I have a marathon of events every single weekend. In less than 365 days, I have already attended in excess of 330 events this year. It has been huge. I share the emotion.

I want to thank my husband, Eddie, for his unwavering support. I do not think I could do this job without Eddie's understanding, love and support. So I want to thank Eddie, my husband, particularly as well. Christmas is here. It is the season to be jolly, so I want to end by wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. Spend quality time with family. I wish everyone best wishes and success in future elections as well.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (18:40): Before everyone worries, I just wanted to add a few names that I forgot to thank earlier. This will not take too long. One of my first staffers was Yesha Joshi, who is now doing amazing things in Washington and was a candidate for the Greens in the last state election. I forgot to thank her and honour her. She is an inspiration. She is now a global leader in climate change doing amazing things, and she will continue to.

I also want to thank Lauren Zwaans, who was also an early media officer of mine, who was in the gallery today to support and is again doing enormously amazing things. She has come back to Adelaide having worked over in America for various social media institutions. I want to also thank PA, who was formerly Peta-Anne Louth, who has been a stalwart friend. I just wanted to ensure that those things were on the record and I will splice them into the video later on for the record.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (18:41): I would like to start by thanking the staff of the Legislative Council and throughout Parliament House. We can sometimes underestimate the amount of pressure that you can all be under, and, please, rest assured that it is well appreciated.

I would like to bid farewell, at least from this chamber, to the Hon. Frank Pangallo and commend him on the passion that he has brought to this place. I also wish the Hon. Tammy Franks all the best for the future. Whilst there are many things that we disagree on, I can certainly sincerely wish her all the very best for the future.

And to you, Mr President, you have been an outstanding President: professional, capable, thoughtful and a fine demonstration of an even-handed and strong President. I thank you for your service in that role, as well as all of your previous roles.

In terms of everyone else, none of us really know what will happen in March next year. There are all sorts of predictions, but for anyone who does not end up being here in this place in the future, I think it is a great privilege to be in this place. All of us should be very proud of the fact that we have been able to contribute in whatever has been our particular passion while also being always conscious of the privilege of being here. I would also like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a blessed year.

The PRESIDENT (18:43): I would like to make a contribution before we get the minister to sum up. I am going to be here until March and I am going to be tying up loose ends and continuing with the administration of this place. All of the staff members, especially the catering staff, if I do not give them a shout-out, it will be their opportunity to poison me.

Firstly, to our chamber staff, Leslie, Emma, Anthony, Mario, Charles, Kylie and Todd: thanks for your support over the journey. You are outstanding people and I wish you all very, very well. From a catering perspective: Creon, Casey, Anthony, Baz, Pauline, John, Christian, Kelly, Sharon, Karen, Nicky, Belinda, Swaroop, Ben, Kramer and staff. I wish the Hansard staff all very well. Our new executive officer, Megan Bradman, has been outstanding and I wish her well, along with deputy Travis, Dr Weste, Anna Graves and the library staff, Dave Woolman, Graham, Craig, John, all their building attendants and, most importantly, Kate and the Usher of the Black Rod.

The Usher of the Black Rod and the Clerk have been just outstanding in their support for me, with their guidance, wisdom, knowledge. They are keepers of conventions. I am a bit embarrassed that I went against the Clerk's ruling tonight by letting everybody insert speeches, but we would be here at 9 o'clock if we did not do that, and, of course, that was by leave of the council, so I only serve to the will of the council.

People and Culture and their staff, Aaron and his leadership I really am very appreciative of. I did not thank the Hon. Ian Hunter enough. His behaviour sometimes lacks. I have enjoyed watching the Hon. Mr Hunter in government. Certainly, he was a pain in the backside in opposition. But in all sincerity the way you step up and help us run this place is really very much appreciated and has saved everybody a lot of time and effort at times. I really do thank you for that.

The Hon. Sarah Game, good luck with what you are doing. I know you have challenges with your children. You work really hard, and you get around, so I wish you well. The Hon. Michelle Lensink, I pass the baton to you as the longest serving member of the Legislative Council. I think we probably knew each other before either of us were a member of parliament. Good luck to you. That is quite an achievement, so good on you.

In my valedictory I did not want to make it sound like we had too much fun, because people will refer to that, but when I think of my good friend the Hon. Heidi Girolamo, I think 'drinking mate'. I do not want you to be known throughout parliamentary circles as a drinker—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I know you will all be respectful. I really enjoy having a glass of red with you, the Hon. Heidi Girolamo. We chew the fat, and you are a good friend.

The other thing, of course, is we have the Hon. Ben Hood, the Hon. Dennis Hood, the honourable Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Jing Lee and the Hon. Tammy Franks, who bring a musical component to this place. There are a couple of great singers. Nicola is horrendous on the harmonica, but she thinks she is good. We have a couple of guitarists at the back. So I am really looking forward to the President's dinner. I hope those of you who can make it will, and I really look forward to some fellowship next Thursday night.

In closing, the only one I think I have not spoken about is the Hon. Justin Hanson. I am retiring, and it is my ambition to try to walk with the swagger that you do, Justin, because it is really cool. I do not know if 'cool' is the right word, but you just seem to be at peace with yourself, and I really like that.

The Hon. J.E. Hanson: Sometimes I'm not even here.

The PRESIDENT: There you go. With all of that, I invite the Deputy Premier to conclude.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (18:47): Thank you, sir. That's all, folks.

The council divided on the amendment:

Ayes 7

Noes 12

Majority 5

AYES

Centofanti, N.J. (teller) Franks, T.A. Girolamo, H.M.
Hood, B.R. Hood, D.G.E. Lensink, J.M.A.
Pangallo, F.

NOES

Bonaros, C. Bourke, E.S. Game, S.L.
Hanson, J.E. Hunter, I.K. Lee, J.S.
Maher, K.J. (teller) Martin, R.B. Ngo, T.T.
Scriven, C.M. Simms, R.A. Wortley, R.P.

PAIRS

Henderson, L.A. El Dannawi, M.

Amendment thus negatived; motion carried.


At 18:51 the council adjourned until Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 14:15.

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