February 25th, 2009 by Kris
I was pleased to see Senator Nick Xenophon act in the best interest of South Australia by getting a better deal for the Murray Darling through the Federal Government’s $42 billion economic stimulus package. In relation to this issue, I asked Premier Rann during question time last week if he was prepared to fund a High Court challenge to have the 4% cap on water trading declared unconstitutional. This “cap” was previously agreed to by the States and is now held on to stubbornly by Victoria. It prevents South Australians buying the water we need, from willing sellers interstate. The Premier rejected a legal challenge. Why?
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February 25th, 2009 by Kris
The Rann Government has passed legislation in the Lower House that will give much greater powers to Chief Executives of Government Departments. Under these proposed laws, Heads of Departments will have greater flexibility to hire, fire and transfer public servants. These powers could be used as a “big stick” to keep public servants in line. With so many political appointments to senior Public Service positions, the new laws give more power than ever to allow the political party in Government to control the Public Service. I moved amendments, which were supported by the Opposition, to ensure the Commissioner for Public Employment maintained the role of being an independent safeguard in dealing with Public Service grievances. Unfortunately, the Government used its numbers to vote down these amendments.
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February 25th, 2009 by Kris
Mental health care issues feature in my work. In response to the Government’s mental health reforms, I raised concerns about the rights of mental health patients. Some may be shocked to learn that people can be sedated and shipped interstate without their consent. On the other hand, there are occasions when confidential information needs to be disclosed. For example, to ensure there is appropriate support in place for a patient, it may be necessary to advise his or her family before the patient is released from hospital. In the end I thought that the Government struck a reasonable balance between providing mental health care and violating privacy and personal liberty.
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February 25th, 2009 by Kris
In a speech I delivered to the House of Assembly last week, I raised concerns over the management of electronic junk, E-Waste. Discarded computers have a toxic effect on the environment, especially in landfill where minerals, like cadmium and mercury, leak into the soil. While there are a number of computer recycling programmes in place, they are not well utilised. About 10,000 computers are replaced within the SA public sector each year, but only about 10% of these are passed on to schools and community services as part of a State Government recycling scheme. I suggested that the Government consider a deposit refund system, similar to that for beverage containers.
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February 11th, 2009 by Kris
I was pleased to give my support to newly elected Independent Member for Frome, Geoff Brock, during the recent by-election. Mr Brock was sworn in to Parliament on Tuesday, 3 February. There are now four Independent MPs in the House of Assembly, including myself. This is a significant representation in the 47 Member House. The results of the Frome by-election suggest there is a trend away from the major parties and support for Independents who can represent their electorate on local issues. I am looking forward to working with Geoff Brock.
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February 11th, 2009 by Kris
Last week in Parliament I continued to raise concerns over the State Government’s proposed new residential code. As yet, there has not been a final residential code confirmed, only legislation that would allow for it to be implemented. In a previous submission to the Department of Planning, I raised objections to local government oversight being undermined and reduced community consultation in planning processes. The Minister for Planning should consult with the Local Government Association (LGA) regarding any future changes to the residential code. Until there is a final proposal, informed consultation cannot go ahead. The impact of this kind of planning reform on local residents is not always fully known until it is put into practice.
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February 11th, 2009 by Kris
Legislation I introduced last week in State Parliament will limit parliamentary pensions for retired MPs if they are paid fees for sitting on statutory boards. Some retired Labor and Liberal MPs appointed to these boards draw up to $80,000 a year in fee payments, on top of their parliamentary pension. A “club” mentality has developed. The Government of the day, whether Labor or Liberal, has a history of appointing loyal retired party members to lucrative positions on advisory bodies. My Bill will ensure that retired MPs will have their parliamentary pensions reduced by the value of the fee received for being a member of a Government Board.
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February 11th, 2009 by Kris
I supported the Government’s reform relating to victims of crime. The intent of this legislation is to allow victims of personal and serious crime to make a victim impact statement at the sentencing of their accused. There was some debate around the benefit of a victim impact statement where the accused has a mental impairment. I argued that there is still benefit for the victim in voicing their experience within the context of the court room, for the record, regardless of whether the accused fully appreciates this process.
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