Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (21:48): I rise to speak to the Appropriation Bill 2023. I note that this is, as they are every year, the biggest budget I have seen for this state in 17 years. With the Supply Bill, it is close on $26 billion. But the issue I have, even though it is the biggest budget for the state, is that there is nothing in it for a typical South Australian family, a family of people contributing to the economy, paying tax, paying their way and then having to put up with cost-of-living increases, whether it is interest rates, whether it is groceries or whether, as we see, it is some wicked power price increases that are coming in. I will have a bit more to say about that later on.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (16:39): I rise to make a contribution to the Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Emissions Reduction Objectives) Bill. In May this year, commonwealth and state energy ministers agreed to amendments to the national energy laws to incorporate an emissions reduction objective into the national electricity objective, national gas objective and national energy retail objective, respectively.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has once again abandoned crucial investment in regional roads and infrastructure project, with the State Budget allocating very little to keep rural communities and drivers safe. 

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick MP has labelled the 2023 State Budget as underwhelming with no real economic stimulus and no support for a typical South Australian family at a time when cost of living is at an all-time high.

With the State Budget being released today, the Opposition wants to see meaningful investment to tackle South Australia's road safety and infrastructure concerns. 

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:47): My question is to the Minister for Regional Roads. Is the Strzelecki Track upgrade on time and on budget, and can the minister provide an update on its progress?

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:00): My question is to the Minister for Veterans Affairs. Will the government commit additional resources towards mental health services for veterans in the state budget, particularly for those living in regional and rural areas?

The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network have announced the trial of an After Hours Nurse-led Clinic to replace the Emergency Department at the Strathalbyn and Districts Health Service. 

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:21): My question is to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Will the government establish an independent inquiry into the preparation, response and recovery of the 2022-23 River Murray flood event and, if not, why not?

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (16:25): I rise today to talk in my supply grieve about my constituent Mr John Ali of Murray Bridge. As a 22 year old, Mr Ali worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester. In 1971, his employer asked him to travel to Canberra to meet with government officials. He was honoured and very naive. He in fact met with Malcolm Fraser, Minister for Defence, and was asked to serve his country on a top-secret mission. His mission was to deliver 600 military trucks and 150 four-wheeled trailers through Vietnam to Cambodia. His mission was so secret he was told he could only tell his parents and his spouse and no-one else, not even work colleagues. Mr Ali signed defence secrecy documents.