Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:45): I rise to speak on the final report of the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee. Indeed, as the member for Heysen has outlined, it is a sad day because it essentially signals the absolute end of that committee, which was wound up earlier this year. I served on the committee previously and got around the state—the little bit of travel that I did. I wish I had the opportunity to do more, and it would have been more if the committee had still been in place. We visited Ceduna, Yalata, Koonibba and all around the West Coast and obviously had hearings with people there. We had some informal and formal meetings and also had many formal meetings here in Adelaide hearing evidence around the various subjects of the committee.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (21:33): I rise to speak to the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy (Energy Resources) Amendment Bill 2023 and acknowledge the work of the member for Morphett in regard to the bill. I note that the proposed amendments will maintain this act as leading practice for regulating upstream petroleum, carbon capture and storage and geothermal activities in South Australia. The amendments also look to introduce a new provision to extend the scope of the act to include the generation of hydrogen from means not ordinarily permissible under the existing act—for example, with renewable energy.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:21): I rise today to speak about the Country Fire Service. I am a very proud volunteer of the Country Fire Service, along with 13,000 others. There are problems that have arisen, and a lot of people have not come forward because they have been intimidated and they have been gagged, and it is a real concern for the fire season coming up. We are being told that it is going to be one of the worst fire seasons we have seen, with the growth of feed and pastures and the amount of crop out there this year.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. How many CFS employees and volunteers are currently suspended with or without pay from the organisation? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Is the minister aware of concerns raised by regional CFS brigades about access to facilities and resources and, if so, what is being done to address those concerns? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (11:06): I move

That this house—

(a) recognises the Australian Hotels Association (South Australian Branch), AHA-SA, was established in 1871 and has been an integral part of South Australia's hospitality and tourism industry for more than 150 years;

(b) notes that the AHA-SA is a peak industry organisation that represents and protects the commercial interests of hoteliers throughout South Australia, providing advice on a range of topics, including legislative changes, licensing, gaming, industrial relations, insurance, responsible gambling and community liaison;

(c) acknowledges the social and economic contributions of AHA-SA and its members, which comprise 630 hotels in South Australia, from small country pubs to five-star hotels and resorts; and

(d) recognises the valuable work by AHA-SA Executive Council and its Awards of Excellence program to fulfil its mission to encourage, foster and promote the pursuit of excellence in service, facilities and management practices among members for the benefit of the industry and the community of South Australia.

Farmers and landowners in the Lower Murray Irrigation District have expressed their frustrations and disappointment over the South Australian Government’s poor handling of flood recovery efforts and ongoing delays in decision making.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Veterans Affairs—and I must say, welcome back, Geoff. Can the minister provide the house with an update on the northern Adelaide veteran wellbeing centre, including whether a suitable location has been determined?

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water. Will the government expand eligibility for flood recovery grants to include irrigation trusts? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:00): My question is to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water. Has the minister advocated to the commonwealth government on behalf of farmers and landowners to urgently expedite the release of funds to assist with ongoing flood recovery works, in particular to restore irrigation activities?