That this council—

1. Expresses its steadfast support for the people of Whyalla, in particular, to the workers of Whyalla Steelworks and the many businesses which rely on it;
2. Recognises that Whyalla is critical to sovereign Australian steel, producing 75 per cent of Australian structural steel and providing for several thousand people; and
3. Commits to working to secure the long-term future of Whyalla.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:19): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Emergency and Correctional Services, representing the Minister for Education, on the topic of safety in childcare centres.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:39): I move:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) for reaching the significant milestone of its 50^th anniversary in 2025;
2. Recognises MCCSA has been supporting migrant communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds since it was established in 1995 and that its foundations were laid in 1975;
3. Acknowledges that MCCSA is the peak organisation representing more than 120 multicultural organisations and delivers a wide range of programs to increase the capacity of its member organisations and advocate for the needs and aspirations of CALD organisations, communities and individuals;
4. Thanks the MCCSA Patron, the Hon. Hieu Van Le AC; Chairperson, Miriam Cocking; Chief Executive Officer, Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM; executive team members; board members; staff; and supporters for their dedication and contributions to serving and empowering the diverse multicultural community in South Australia; and
5. Commends MCCSA for its significant contributions toward enhancing multiculturalism and interculturalism in our state and for supporting all people from CALD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, political, social and cultural life of South Australia.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:37): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General, representing the Minister for Health, a question about hospital Code Black calls.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:40): 

I rise to speak in support of the Summary Offences (Knives and Other Weapons) Amendment Bill 2025. With an increasing incidence of knife crime reported across Australia and South Australia, it is a critical time that law reforms aimed at addressing knife crime and prohibiting the sale of knives to minors are enacted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:56): 

I rise today to speak about the Animal Welfare Bill 2024. This bill will replace the Animal Welfare Act 1995 and seeks to modernise South Australia's animal welfare laws to ensure that they are consistent with contemporary practices, science and community expectations.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:28): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Attorney-General, representing the Minister for Police, about police officers being ramped at hospitals.

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A. Simms:

That the report of the select committee be noted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:10): I rise today to speak briefly in support of the report of the Select Committee on Grocery Pricing in South Australia.

It was a privilege to be on this select committee. I would like to thank the diligent committee Chairperson, the Hon. Robert Simms, for his excellent leadership and passion on this important issue.

I also want to thank my fellow committee members the Hon. Frank Pangallo, the Hon. Reggie Martin, the Hon. Mira El Dannawi and the Hon. Ben Hood for their valuable contributions. A special thank you, of course, to the hardworking committee secretary, Leslie Guy, and research officer, Dr Margaret Robinson, for their support and comprehensive work during the inquiry stage and in preparation of the final report.

With the current cost-of-living crisis impacting everyone in our community, it is perhaps no surprise that the committee found that there is a lack of transparency around grocery pricing in South Australia and that this is a factor contributing to the high prices which are placing increased pressure on South Australian families.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:44): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, representing the Minister for Education, about failures to prevent abuse in schools.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:01): I rise today to make a brief contribution to support the Statutes Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill 2024.

Notwithstanding some honourable members have already mentioned that this particular bill has not done enough to address the cost-of-living crisis, I wish to take this opportunity to highlight a few key measures that are included in the bill.

No doubt all of us in this place are well aware that South Australia is in the grip of a housing crisis, with a lack of supply and surging prices placing significant barriers on those trying to enter the housing market.