March 11th, 2009 by Kris
I am pleased Premier Rann has finally heeded my calls to tackle Victoria’s stranglehold on water trading by pursuing a legal challenge to the High Court to end the 4 percent trading cap. I raised this issue immediately after the COAG meeting in July 2008 when State Premiers, including Premier Rann, agreed to let Victoria keep the 4 percent ceiling as part of the Commonwealth agreement. Two weeks prior to the Premier’s recent announcement, I asked him directly in Parliament if he would put his money where his mouth is and fund a High Court challenge. He did not come clean at the time and dodged the question. I am pleased Rann is finally taking this issue seriously.
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March 11th, 2009 by Kris
With Senator Nick Xenophon securing a better deal for the Murray Darling through the Federal Government’s $42 billion economic stimulus package, I gave notice in Parliament that I will move a motion of commendation recognising this achievement for South Australia. His actions were not only courageous and responsible, but also beneficial for both the Murray Darling and the economy. Nick Xenophon has ensured that SA has a real say in the federal decision making process rather than remaining delegated to the dead end of the once mighty River Murray. It is appropriate that State Parliament acknowledges Senator Xenophon for the benefits that will come to SA.
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March 11th, 2009 by Kris
Last week the House of Assembly passed legislation that will allow State policing and judicial systems to operate in other State jurisdictions where there is a shared interest in a given region. The law would initially apply to Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands. The Bill will allow SA laws to be applied in certain areas of WA and NT. The cross-border scheme does not enact new law, but extends the geographical area in which existing law of each jurisdiction applies. While I supported the Bill in principle, I asked the Attorney General a series of questions regarding some practicalities of the legislation.
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March 11th, 2009 by Kris
I introduced legislation in Parliament last week that will extend existing provisions for wheel clamping to include vehicles which are used to trespass on private property. This is to help address the problem of motor bikes and four wheel drives tearing up the pre-colonial environment on Sheidow land around the Field River in my electorate.
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March 11th, 2009 by Kris
I supported a proposal by the Opposition to create a Parliamentary bushfires committee. The intention of this committee is to allow for careful review and planning in the event of major bushfires in the future. I suggested that the role of this committee should also cover other natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods. The recent Victorian bushfires have been a painful reminder of the need to be well prepared when emergencies of this nature arise.
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March 11th, 2009 by Kris
Independent Member for Fisher, Bob Such, moved a motion that the House of Assembly adopts a statement of principles that would serve as a code of conduct for MPs. I spoke in support of the motion, but recognised that it is ultimately up to each MP to honour the office they hold and live up to the standards expected of them by the community. The statement of principles would be a reminder of the behaviour required of MPs in public life.
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