The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:52): It is with great pleasure that I rise today to speak about community education, more specifically I would like to highlight a fantastic initiative by this parliament to support community education about our important democratic system.

Today, I want to give a big shout-out to acknowledge our Community Education Office right here in Parliament House. Natalie and Edgar are doing such amazing work providing resources, designing education programs and hosting special events to help members of parliament to engage with students and members of the public about how our parliamentary system works and how decisions made in this place impact on the lives of everyday South Australians.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (17:31): I move:

That this council—

1.  Recognises that Variety, The Children’s Charity SA, has been supporting children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disability in South Australia for almost 40 years;
2.  Acknowledges the significant positive impact that Variety SA has made in the lives of South Australian children through providing grants, scholarships, gifts, activities and equipment to support kids in need and their families; and
3.  Acknowledges that the generosity of Variety’s donors, partners, and volunteers helped support more than 29,000 South Australian children in 2020-21.

It is a great honour to rise today to move the motion standing in my name. It is a great opportunity today to recognise the incredible contributions of Variety, The Children's Charity South Australia make towards supporting children who are sick, disadvantaged and living with disability in our state.

For almost 40 years, Variety has been supporting South Australian children to follow their dreams and achieve their goals no matter what their ability and no matter what life throws at them.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (16:52): I rise on behalf of the Liberal Party to speak on the motion moved by the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos regarding the Israel and Palestine conflict.

The unresolved Israel-Palestine conflict continues to be a major concern and is very upsetting for those who are directly or indirectly affected.

It is important to, firstly, acknowledge that all Honourable Members in this place will respectfully express our support to advocate for the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in equality, peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

After much consideration and discussion with my parliamentary colleagues, I wish to indicate that the Liberal Party will be supporting the amended motion moved by the Hon. Sarah Game MLC.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:54): I move:

That this Council—

1. Notes that 5 December is International Volunteer Day;
2. Recognises the tireless work of volunteers across South Australia; and
3. Encourages all South Australians to thank our volunteers and show their appreciation for the contributions volunteers make to our state.

As the Shadow Minister for Communities, I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and to recognise the remarkable contributions that South Australian volunteers make to our state every single day.

International Volunteer Day is fast approaching on 5 December, and it is an international day of observance that was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:39): I am delighted to rise today to speak about the Adelaide Dining Magazine and acknowledge the dynamic hospitality industry in South Australia.

As the Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I had the great honour to represent the Hon. David Speirs, the Leader of the Liberal Party, to attend the Adelaide Dining Magazine 2023 Edition Launch on Sunday 27 November 2022.

Adelaide Dining Magazine was established in 2014 and has built a reputation for showcasing the best and most innovative restaurants and dining venues in the South Australian hospitality industry.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): My question is directed to the parliamentary secretary about inaccurate information.

The PRESIDENT: You haven't sought leave; just ask the question.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: 

From the comment from the parliamentary secretary earlier, if this was the first time the parliamentary secretary was advised that she had misled the council, as per her statement, will she be seeking an explanation from the education minister as to why he did not draw to her attention that his chief executive had pointed out her error several weeks ago, or from her colleagues who sit on the Budget and Finance Committee as to why they did not do so either? The public need to know the answers.

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. C.M. Scriven:

That this Council—

1. Recognises the contribution of the Italian community to South Australia and the role of the South Australian Italian Association which has served the Italian community in South Australia for more than 70 years;
2. Congratulates the recipients of the inaugural SAIA Awards on 12 November, including Rosa Matto (Culture and Art Award), Enzo Lombi (Research & Development and Innovation Award), the Romeo family (Business Award), Joyce and Joseph Ceravolo (Young Achiever Award); and
3. Congratulates Antonietta Cocchiaro on receiving the Italian Honour of Cavalier of the Italian Republic and acknowledges her contribution to Italian radio and her role with the South Australian Multicultural Commission.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (12:46): It is a great privilege to rise today on behalf of the Liberal Party and as Shadow Minister for Multicultural South Australia to speak on this motion to recognise the outstanding contributions of the South Australian Italian Association and the Italian community in South Australia.

While recognising the valuable reference in the motion moved by the Hon. Clare Scriven, I wish to indicate that I am seeking to amend the motion in order to make the terms of reference more inclusive and provide a better reflection of all South Australians who have received honours awarded by the Italian Government for their meritorious service to the Italian community.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:52): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development about the Riverland regional community.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: 

The Riverland regional community is going through many challenges right now and there are increasing concerns about the floods having significant impact on vulnerable community members. Rental assistance will be available for individuals and families who are not insured who are displaced from their homes by floodwaters and do not have access to alternative accommodation. My questions to the minister are:

1. What is the expected total number of individuals and families in the Riverland regional community that will make a claim?

2. What modelling is this based on?

3. How fast can vulnerable residents access the financial assistance, and can the minister indicate an estimated time frame—will it take days or weeks?

4. What measures will the government put in place for those who will miss out on rental accommodation and have nowhere to go?

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Industrial Relations regarding the CFMEU.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: 

Reports of intimidation, verbal assaults and ongoing disruption on city construction sites by the John Setka-led CFMEU were reported in The Advertiser last Thursday. Master Builders SA chief executive, Will Frogley, said, and I quote:

…workers were being intimidated to join the CFMEU or risk losing work, while builders were being pressured to agree to pay deals that could send them broke.

There were also reports that some CBD construction sites had displayed 'No ticket, no start' signs, meaning non-union members were barred from entering sites. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does the minister condone the behaviour of intimidation, verbal assaults and ongoing disruptions, as reported on city construction sites, by the John Setka-led CFMEU?

2. Has the minister or one of his other ministerial colleagues met with Master Builders SA to discuss this intimidation issue specifically?

3. If so, when was the most recent meeting—a date would be great—and what measures will the government put in place to prevent all these ongoing disruptions?

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. S.L. Game:

That this Council acknowledges the importance of philanthropy and community service to our society, and recognises the philanthropic and charitable endeavours of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (22:39): It is with great sadness that I rise today to support this motion. I wish to personally add my deepest sympathy and condolences to the royal family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and pay tribute to Her late Majesty for her lifetime of distinguished service and her legacy of philanthropic endeavours that have had lasting impact on the world.