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.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:47): I rise to make a brief contribution to indicate that I will be supporting the Statutes Amendment (Administrative Review Tribunal) Bill 2024.

In May 2024, the commonwealth government passed legislation to establish a new Administrative Review Tribunal, which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and re-established the Administrative Review Council. The new Administrative Review Tribunal has the same jurisdiction as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. It is the federal tribunal responsible for conducting independent merit reviews of administrative decisions made under a wide variety of commonwealth laws. The tribunal plays an important role in helping improve the quality of decisions made by the federal government.

This bill amends several South Australian acts to replace any reference to the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal with reference to the Administrative Review Tribunal, which commenced operation on 14 October 2024. With those brief remarks, I support the bill.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:13): 

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Attorney-General about regulations for massage therapists.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:01): I rise to indicate that I will be supporting the Defamation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024. This bill seeks to make changes to the Defamation Act 2005, based on a set of nationally consistent reforms endorsed by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General, following a national review.

My understanding, from the briefing received by my office from the Attorney-General's office, is that the most important change to the legislation is the extension of the defence of absolute privilege to reports made to police. This will provide victims of crime and witnesses of crime with stronger protection against defamation lawsuits. 

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.

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 75^th 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.

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.

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.

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

That this Council—

1. Recognises that 2024 marks the 110^thyear 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.