In a speech to State Parliament last week I reminded the Government of the obligations of the University of Adelaide when it took on, in trust, the land of Glenthorne Farm. I pointed out that the deed, which sets out the conditions upon which the land was handed to the University, rules out urban development.  The University has breached this trust by pursuing the development of 950 houses. It appears the University is helping the State Government salvage its failing ‘No Species Loss’ strategy, while turning a $7 million gift into a $200 million profit.

It is pleasing to see the Government has adopted yet another proposal I introduced previously.  In 2003 I proposed legislation that would discourage and, ultimately, phase out the use of plastic shopping bags. The Government’s Bill will ban the distribution of plastic bags at supermarkets, rather than impose a levy on their use.  I raised the concern in Parliament that a levy would still leave the consumer with a choice, even at a cost. I supported the legislation on the basis that, following a period of adjustment, it will benefit the environment.

The Government has introduced legislation that will recognise midwifery as a separate profession.  New laws will provide a system for registration of midwives and a complaints process to investigate claims where standards of midwifery practice are not upheld.  I was pleased to support this Bill and acknowledge the remarkable work of midwives in our health care system. I particularly noted the need for midwives to have the space in our public hospitals to provide these specialised services that are so beneficial to women in our community.

I supported a motion to establish a Parliamentary Committee to look into the effectiveness of radar cameras.  The intent of the committee would be to consider whether these traffic devices are used for legitimate road safety purposes or simply for raising revenue. My concern is that the community will lose confidence in the South Australian Police if speed cameras become just another income stream.

State Parliament has passed legislation to handover powers to the Commonwealth to manage the Murray Darling Basin.  While I supported the Bill, I raised the critical question about what the Commonwealth will do with these powers.  The Lower Lakes and the Coorong is in a serious condition, and the INTERIM plan to save the river will take two years to develop. The current limitations on water trading between states will not be lifted in the short term.  Given the State Government agreed to maintain these trading restrictions, an early solution to rescuing the Lower Lakes does not seem likely.

Last week I introduced legislation that would force purchasers of all used cars to install immobilisers when registering the vehicle. The cost of car theft is borne by all South Australians.  Each car crash on average brings a price tag of $52,000 to the State, which includes property loss, health care, police involvement and court processes. Fitting an immobiliser will cost $200 to $300.  This will not only benefit the purchaser but also the community as a whole.

Inadequate parking at the Woodend Kindergarten in Sheidow Park is a serious hazard for children and a major concern to parents. Last week I presented a petition from 336 residents to Parliament urging the Government to look at the problem. The petition requests that adequate ‘pick up and drop off’ facilities be researched and implemented in consultation with the City of Marion, staff and parents of the kindergarten, and residents of affected streets.  

Last week I raised a number of important State and local matters in Parliament:
I drew attention to current inefficiencies in the hospital system, which requires considerable streamlining. This is urgently needed in order to meet the growing demand for surgery considered ‘elective’. I expressed concerns regarding the future of tertiary education and whether the Future SACE requirements will adequately prepare school leavers for entering university.  I reminded the Parliament of the need to retain Glenthorne Farm as open space, in accordance with the wishes of local residents. I will continue to press the current State Government to keep Glenthorne Farm free from housing.  Oaklands Station continues to be an issue for me, so I confronted the Government with the inadequate state of the new station. Traffic flow near the intersection of Diagonal Road and Morphett Road just gets worse and the station itself is lacking in a number of functional facilities. 

To view the complete transcript see: Kris Hanna, Address in Reply speech