The Attorney-General has moved to modernise South Australia’s abortion laws, ensuring the procedure is treated as a health issue, not a criminal one.

I propose to make a contribution in relation to this legislation. It has been introduced to accede to at least one part of the recommendations of the Hon. Brian Martin, AO QC, in a report that he provided in 2020, on instruction from the government, to investigate and report on and provide material as to the current circumstances interstate, and generally to consult with stakeholders and victims advocacy agencies, together with any members of the public. That report has been published by the government.

The Marshall Government has passed amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act to ensure parliamentarians are covered by sexual harassment laws in their dealings with other parliamentarians.

Laws that will significantly reduce the discounts available to serious criminal offenders for early guilty pleas go before the Upper House of State Parliament today.

The Greens in the Upper House of State Parliament have stalled the passage of legislation to significantly reduce sentence discounts available to serious criminal offenders for early guilty pleas.

The Marshall Government’sCOVID-19 Emergency Response Act has been extended to until the 6thof February 2021, or 28 days after the COVID-19 Emergency Direction expires –whichever comes first after a vote in State Parliament last night.

I am pleased to introduce the Defamation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2020, which amends the Defamation Act 2005 and the Limitation of Actions Act 1936. The bill has been developed thanks to the significant work and cooperation between all Australian jurisdictions and represents the first substantial amendment to the Defamation Act since it was passed. This is a major milestone in Australian defamation law.

Zero, South Australia’s inaugural canine court companion, is now a step closer to supporting vulnerable witnesses in court.

The South Australian government spends over $11 billion a year on purchasing goods, services and construction projects. This spending underpins the provision of critical public services and has a significant impact on employment, business activity and investment in the state. The government is committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our policies and practices for procurement, maximising value for money and improving local industry and social outcomes.

On behalf of the Marshall Liberal government, I am pleased to introduce the COVID-19 Emergency Response (Expiry and Rent) Amendment Bill 2020. As the COVID-19 public health emergency unfolded, it quickly became clear that many everyday practices needed to be adapted so that we could continue doing business while maintaining physical distancing and reduced movement.