Second Reading

I wish to make a few observations in light of some matters raised by the member for Ramsay. Before I do that may I thank her for indicating general support for the amendments proposed in this bill on multiple matters. I also thank my colleagues, the members for Kavel and Heysen respectively, for their contribution and continued interest in all matters relating to the Attorney-General's law reform. I find it a valuable addition to have fresh eyes on a number of these things, and I thank them for their diligent work.

Second Reading

Members will recall that this bill passed the House of Assembly last year with support from both sides of the chamber but lapsed in the other place due to the prorogation of parliament. The Residential Parks Act 2007, which I will hereafter refer to as 'the act', regulates the relationship between park owners and park residents. When the act was originally passed, caravans and other demountable and movable structures were envisaged; however, a variety of additional accommodation options now exist, ranging from annexes through to manufactured homes. Whilst residents own their own homes, there are no ongoing fees for residing in a residential park except for the lease of the land, unlike retirement villages. Also unlike retirement villages, the property interest can be transferred.

Second Reading

I thank all those members who have contributed to the debate on this bill and in particular those members who attended briefings offered by my office and the Attorney-General's Department in relation to the bill and the National Redress Scheme more generally. Those briefings gave rise to a number of questions from members in relation to the operation of the National Redress Scheme which have already been responded to.

Motion

May I first commend you (Sam Duluk MP), as Acting Speaker, for moving this motion and indicate my overwhelming support for it. I would also like to acknowledge the Hon. John Dawkins in another place, whom the Premier has appointed as his own advocate to investigate and deal with suicide prevention by way of consultation and reporting back. This is a very important issue for the government. It is a very important matter that has taken a long time—in fact, centuries—to come out from behind cover and be dealt with.

Ministerial Statement

On 26 September 2016, the former government approved an administrative review of the regulations controlling commercial gambling in South Australia and the appointment of retired Supreme Court judge, Tim Anderson QC, to undertake the review. Today, I table that review in parliament. The review makes a number of conclusions regarding regulatory options for South Australia, the regulatory model, the oversight of commercial gambling and the not-for-profit sector.

Second Reading

I rise to speak on the bill to amend the Correctional Services Act. The bill essentially makes provision for the undertaking of drug testing in respect of the workforce in our prisons and, importantly, to provide for the enforcement to restrict visitation by way of prohibition to those who may be associated with serious and organised crime. These are important initiatives. They are consistent with an election commitment of the government. I commend both speakers and, in particular, the minister for promptly bringing this matter before the house so that it can be advanced.

A new rapid response capability will be created thanks to the State Government freeing up frontline police from desk duties, as part of an election pledge.

The Marshall Liberal Government is delivering on its key election commitments to address the scourge of domestic violence, by investing more than $11.9 million over the next four years on a suite of measures to support women and children at risk.

A highly respected Queen’s Counsel with a background in both international and local commercial law has been appointed as South Australia’s newest District Court judge.

Tough new laws come into effect from today, aimed at better protecting children from exploitation by insidious predators.