The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:21): I want to speak about rampant political tokenism. Can I say at the outset that I accept that, on specific or ceremonial occasions, it is appropriate to acknowledge the traditional owners of our lands here in South Australia or, indeed, in other states and territories of Australia. However, I believe…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: At the outset I would like to say that it has been interesting, in recent weeks and months, to see the passionate positions adopted by some Labor members in this chamber on a variety of issues. With anything to do with fish or fishing the Hon. Mr Gazzola is to the…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:55): I rise to speak about the appalling performance of minister Patrick Conlon, the minister in charge of transport. Recent events highlight the problems that this poor minister has been suffering and inflicting upon the people of South Australia now for some four or five years. I am on the record…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I refer to the Ombudsman Act, which makes it quite clear that it is not lawful to appoint anyone over the age of 65 to the position of Ombudsman. Section 10(1) provides: “The Ombudsman shall be appointed for a term expiring on the day on which he or she attains the…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I move: That this council condemns the Rann government for its arrogance and inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour. I move this motion for two reasons, and the first is as a service to other members of the Legislative Council. Its general nature and drafting will allow other members, during the remainder of…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: As members will be aware, in recent months there has been increasing clamour from a number of commentators and others for an independent commission against crime and corruption in South Australia. I think many people are asking why in particular Attorney-General Atkinson and Premier Rann are so fearful of the establishment…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I rise to speak about the Rann government’s arrogance and that of its ministers and employees in relation to their dealings with other members, the community and members of the media. In June last year, long term and respected commentator Greg Kelton said that in his view the government was vying…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: The major issue that I want to address in the Address in Reply debate is the whole issue of the Legislative Council and its future, given the announced policy position of the Rann Labor government in relation to the abolition of the Legislative Council. I addressed this issue in May last…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I move: That this council notes the recent Australian Electoral Commis¬sion disclosure returns and other related matters. This is a simple motion which asks that the council note the recent Australian Electoral Commission disclosure returns and other related matters, and I can advise that I shall speak today and seek leave…
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Leader of the Opposition): Members will remember that after the 2002 state election the first Rann government broke a series of fundamental election promises that it made right across the board, starting in the tax area. Fundamental commitments not to introduce any new taxes or charges and not to increase any…