October 31st, 2007 by Kris
The Government used its numbers in Parliament to vote down my legislation to change the SA Constitution to limit the number of ministers to 13. At the moment there are 15 Labor Government ministers. Portfolios are being split – Mental Health from Health and Road Safety from Transport – to accommodate the increased number of ministers. Also, millions of dollars would be saved by cutting the number of departments and ministers. A ministry of 15 in a small parliament of 69 members, where up to half are likely to be of one particular party, makes it almost impossible for government MPs to challenge the decisions of ministers.
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October 29th, 2007 by Kris
In Parliament last week, the Minister for Water Security announced a new package of water saving incentives to be introduced from 1 November. The package involves:
· rebates of up to $30 for installing low-flow showerheads;
· rebates of $50 when $150 is spent on eligible water efficient gardening goods, including organic mulch, compost and compost bins, tap timers and soil wetting agents;
· rebates of up to $200 off the cost of a four-star washing machine;
· rebates of up to $150 to replace older, inefficient toilets with dual-flush systems; and
· from 1 January next year, rebates of $100 in the city (or $110 in regional areas) for home water audits to reduce water and energy consumption.
The rebates are available to both home owners and tenants. However, tenants will need to present a letter from the property owner to be eligible for the showerhead, dual-flush toilet or plumbing service. A home audit can be carried out by any licensed plumber.
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October 26th, 2007 by Kris
In Parliament yesterday the Premier hinted that Nick Xenophon must prove that ‘No Pokies’ is a political party before he can appoint John Darley as a replacement in the Upper House.
The Premier is trying to hide behind Section 13 of the SA Constitution that states only political parties can nominate a replacement from the same party. Admittedly, the Government has the numbers to appoint who they want. A combined sitting of both Houses would give Labor 35 of 69 MPs. But voters made it clear at the last election they wanted Nick Xenophon and his running mates by giving him 25 per cent of the vote.
Posted in The Big Picture, State Issues | 2 Comments »
October 24th, 2007 by Kris
| December 7, 2007 |
| 4:00 pm | to | 7:00 pm |
It’s already that time of year again! Please join me for Christmas drinks and nibbles to celebrate the festive season.
Friday 7th December 2007
4.00-7.00pm at the Mitchell Electorate Office:
867 Marion Road, MITCHELL PARK, SA 5043
RSVP 8177 0077 or email mitchell@parliament.sa.gov.au
(by Wednesday 5th December)
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October 22nd, 2007 by Kris
The State Government is considering introducing Anti-Social Behavioural Orders (ASBOs). ASBOs are a controversial British law that allows a court order to forbid anti-social behaviour that is not otherwise illegal. Orders can forbid a person from going near a specified place, meeting with a nominated group, or behaving in a distressing way to others. Racial groups and young people often are the target of ASBOs.
In Britain about half of ASBOs are breached. The subject of the order then can be imprisoned for behaviour that would not otherwise lead to a prison term.
The experience of ASBOs in Britain has been disastrous, other than being a victory for neighbourhood busybodies.
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October 18th, 2007 by Kris
In Parliament yesterday I quizzed the Minister for Disabilities, Jay Weatherill, when he plans to introduce a Companion Card for South Australian carers. He has been promising one since 2005.
A Companion Card entitles a carer to discount tickets to events and community activities when they are the companion of a person with disabilities. At the momnet in South Australia, such a companion receives only free public transport. In other states the holder of a Companion Card is offered discounts to a comprehensive range of events and activities, including AFL games and international cricket matches.
The Minister responded to my question by announcing that there would be a launch of the South Australian Companion Card in early December this year, with government subsidies of nearly $400,000 for the scheme.
Posted in The Big Picture, State Issues | 2 Comments »
October 17th, 2007 by Kris
The Premier must stop the political games and announce John Darley as Nick Xenophon’s replacement in the Legislative Council. Mr Xenophon announced last week that he would resign from the SA Parliament and contest the Senate at next month’s Federal election.
John Darley is the obvious candidate to replace Nick Xenophon. He is Mr Xenophon’s choice and his former running mate at the last State election.
It’s foolish of the Premier even to contemplate selecting another candidate. We all know he must accept John Darley’s appointment. It would be the most outrageous political manipulation to impose any other choice.
The Constitution is clear when it comes to political parties - they get to nominate their replacement without question. Why should it be any different for Independents?
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October 16th, 2007 by Kris
In Parliament today I called on the State Government to create a public website informing buyers if the land is contaminated. The website would list the historical use of the land so buyers would have access to information about the likely contamination of the site before buying.
Both NSW and Queensland have public site registers for any land considered to be contaminated. We need a similar register here in South Australia that the public can easily access.
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