Parliament

The Latest News & Speeches

BULGARIANS' EDUCATIONAL AND FRIENDLY SOCIETY

27 November, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (21:52): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Congratulates the Bulgarians’ Educational and Friendly Society (BEFS) on reaching its remarkable 75th anniversary in September 2024;
  2. Recognises that BEFS has been the hub of the Bulgarian community in Adelaide since the organisation was established in 1949, promoting and preserving Bulgarian cultural heritage and providing a sense of belonging and fellowship for its members;
  3. Notes that the Bulgarian community has an enduring historical connection with Fulham Gardens, Seaton, Henley Beach, Grange, and surrounding areas, with many Bulgarian migrants having settled and established market gardens in the area and later building the Bulgarian Club Hall on Tapleys Hill Road by hand;
  4. Acknowledges the outstanding contributions of founding members, community leaders, current and past presidents, committee members, volunteers and supporters for their dedicated service to the Bulgarian community for more than seven decades;
  5. Commends BEFS for enriching our multicultural society through a range of programs and services such as the St Petka Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Bulgarian Ethnic Radio Program, the Bulgarian Ethnic School, the Kitka dance group, and through hosting annual cultural celebrations such as the 'Zdravei' Festival; and
  6. Reflects on the many achievements and legacy of BEFS over the past 75 years and wishes the society and members of the Bulgarian community every success in the years ahead.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ITALIAN ASSOCIATION 75TH ANNIVERSARY

27 November, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (21:19): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Congratulates the South Australian Italian Association (SAIA) on reaching its remarkable 75th anniversary in 2024;
  2. Recognises the proud history and contributions of the SAIA as a community hub which preserves and promotes Italian culture, services and experiences in partnership with the wider Italian community of South Australia;
  3. Acknowledges the outstanding contributions of founding members, community leaders, current and past presidents, committee members, volunteers and supporters who have carried on the legacy of the founding members in serving the Italian community and enriching our multicultural society in South Australia;
  4. Commends the SAIA for creating the prestigious recognition programme, namely the SAIA Excellence Awards, which aims to promote and perpetuate the Italian-South Australian heritage and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals or organisations in the South Australian community;
  5. Acknowledges the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirits of the Italian community and pays tribute to the outstanding contributions that first-generations and subsequent generations of Italian migrants have made and continue to make to our resilient and dynamic multicultural society; and
  6. Reflects on the achievements and vision of the SAIA as a centre for all, helping to connect South Australian Italians to their cultural heritage, fostering strong business and cultural ties between South Australia and Italy and delivering 75 years of dedicated service to the Italian community in South Australia.

 

SA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY SA FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW REPORTS

27 November, 2024

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.A. Franks:

That there be laid upon the table of this council, within 21 days of the passing of the resolution by the Leader of the Government, the two reports prepared by Mr Mark Priadko from 2011-12 titled 'Financial Sustainability Review Reports' in relation to the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia, respectively.

(Continued from 16 October 2024.)

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (20:55): I rise on behalf of the Liberal Opposition to support the Hon. Tammy Franks' motion to express our disappointment and dismay that such a motion has to be brought to this Council because of the inadequate response, lack of leadership and poor procedural process of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

APY Arts Centre Collective

27 November, 2024

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (20:33): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Acknowledges the importance of Indigenous art centres in their celebration of culture and contribution to First Nations communities;
  2. Welcomes the opening of a dedicated Umoona Community Arts Centre in Coober Pedy; and
  3. Notes the success that the APY Arts Collective has achieved on a national and international level.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (20:44): I rise today to indicate that the Liberal Opposition will be supporting the Hon. Tammy Franks to recognise and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous art centres.

The APY Art Centre Collective is a group of 10 Indigenous-owned and governed art centres that work together on innovative artistic projects and strong business initiatives.

Australian Red Cross 110th Anniversary

27 November, 2024

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.B. Martin:

That this Council—

  1. Recognises that 2024 marks the 110thyear of the Red Cross in Australia;
  2. Acknowledges the significant humanitarian assistance provided by the Red Cross to some of Australia’s most vulnerable people over the last 110 years; and
  3. Commends all past and present Red Cross employees, members and volunteers for their service.

(Continued from 13 November 2024.)

 

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (20:26): I rise today on behalf of the Liberal Opposition to support the Hon. Reggie Martin's motion to acknowledge the special milestone of the 110th anniversary of the Australian Red Cross.

Honourable Members may remember that I moved a similar motion in 2022 to recognise the significant humanitarian assistance provided by the Australian Red Cross and to highlight some of the incredible programs and services supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrant communities across Australia.

Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs

13 November, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (17:28): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Congratulates the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs for reaching the special milestone of their 65th anniversary in 2024, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on achieving their 100-year anniversary in 2024;
  2. Recognises that the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood is the oldest Greek Orthodox Parish in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, and has been servicing the Greek Orthodox community from the same church since its establishment;
  3. Acknowledges that the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood has been the convenor of the successful Annual Norwood Greek Festival since 2011;
  4. Appreciates the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood for their charity programs and philanthropic endeavours, particularly their compassionate fundraising and volunteering efforts to assist the poor and elderly;
  5. Commends the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood for preserving traditional Greek culture through their Greek Language School, the Official Dancing Group of Prophet Elias and by hosting various feast days of patron saints; and
  6. Reflects on the many achievements of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese over the past 100 years and the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood over the past 65 years and their contributions to enrich multicultural South Australia.

SOCCEROOS

13 November, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:32): It is my pleasure to rise today to acknowledge that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the appearance of the Socceroos' maiden appearance at the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.

When it comes to participation, soccer is Australia's national game and there are more than 2,200 soccer clubs across Australia. Soccer has more than 1.7 million participants through clubs and venues according to AusPlay statistics, a net increase of nearly 250,000 players since 2016.

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS CLOSURES

16 October, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (22:43): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Recognises the important economic and social contributions of South Australia's small and family businesses within the hospitality industry;
  2. Notes the increasing and alarming number of hospitality venue closures in the past 12 months, with approximately 20 reported to have closed their doors between 1 January and 30 April 2024 this year, with the list including some well known and long-established local restaurants;
  3. Notes that the hospitality business closures have hit every corner of the dining scene, within metropolitan areas of Adelaide as well as in regional South Australia;
  4. Notes that the hospitality sector is buckling under the heavy strain of inflation, low profit margins, rising interest rates and staggering skills shortages;
  5. Notes that hospitality business closures are associated with the skyrocketing costs of doing business in South Australia, in particular soaring power prices, payroll tax, red tape and the growing costs of goods and services, along with reduced consumer spending due to rising costs of living; and
  6. Calls on the Malinauskas Labor government to provide better support to address key concerns in the hospitality sector to prevent further job losses and more business closures in South Australia.

POLISH WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION IN ADELAIDE 70th ANNIVERSARY

16 October, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (16:06): I move:

 

That this Council—

  1. Congratulates the Polish Women's Association in Adelaide (Kolo Polek) for reaching the special milestone of their 70th Anniversary in 2024;
  2. Recognises the Polish Women's Association in Adelaide as the oldest Polish women's association in Australia;
  3. Acknowledges the important work of pioneering Polish women, founding members, current and past presidents, committee members and volunteers of the Polish Women's Association for their hard work, dedication and contributions in delivering 70 years of outstanding community service in South Australia;
  4. Commends the Polish Women's Association for their charitable contributions and philanthropic endeavours, particularly through their support of local charities and aged-care services for elderly members of the Polish community;
  5. Acknowledges the remarkable work by Kolo Polek in compiling the 70th Anniversary Exhibition that showcases the history, legacy and memorabilia that demonstrate the strength, determination, compassion and spirits of Polish women over the last 70 years; and
  6. Reflects on the many achievements of the Polish Women's Association over the seven decades and recognises the impact of the Polish Women's Association and its contributions to enrich multicultural South Australia.

PAKISTANI AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRLAIA 40th ANNIVERSARY

16 October, 2024

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (16:06): I move:

That this Council—

  1. Congratulates the Pakistani Australian Association of South Australia (PAASA) for reaching the special milestone of their 40th anniversary in 2024;
  2. Recognises that PAASA is a pioneering organisation established in South Australia by volunteers to support migrants and international students from Pakistan;
  3. Acknowledges the important work of founding members, current and past presidents, committee members and volunteers of PAASA for their hard work, dedication and contributions in delivering 40 years of outstanding community services including information workshops, cultural events, sports and recreational programs for the Pakistani community in South Australia; and
  4. Reflects on the many achievements of PAASA over four decades and its important contributions to multicultural South Australia.