Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:34): I rise today to talk about the Strathalbyn emergency department. Today, I was proud to table a petition with 1,452 signatures from the good people of Strathalbyn and surrounding districts. The petition noted that the emergency department of the Strathalbyn and District Health Service was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its co-location with an aged-care facility. The request is that the state government immediately reopen the emergency department at the Strathalbyn and District Health Service to its pre-COVID operating hours and provide whatever workforce is necessary to operate this facility.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:07): I rise to talk about the recovery process in regard to what is happening with Murraylands and River Murray communities, but certainly will focus on what is happening in my neck of the woods in the Mid Murray and Lower Murray areas. We see town levees coming down in Mannum, which is a good sight to see as part of the recovery process moving forward.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:55): I rise to speak to the First Nations Voice Bill. I note, as has been indicated earlier in the proceedings, we are opposing this bill, but we do not do that lightly at all. I certainly do not believe that this is the answer. We currently have 191 registered bodies working with Aboriginal South Australians right now, so what makes me wonder is what is going on that the myriad complex situations that affront our Aboriginal community, as the rest of our community—why is that not working?

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (17:45): I am proud and privileged here today to support this motion in support of Ukraine and all its people:

That this house—

(a) notes with great sadness that 24 February 2023 marks the first anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine;

(b) deplores the actions of Russia invading Ukraine and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the total withdrawal of Russian forces;

(c) notes the terrible toll caused by the war with international estimates of more than 40,000 deaths, more than 90,000 casualties and the displacement of more than 14 million people;

(d) affirms the resolutions of the 11^th emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for the full protection of civilians, including humanitarian personal, journalists and vulnerable persons;

(e) congratulates South Australians for the warmth and friendship they have shown Ukrainians, displaced by the conflict, who have settled in our great state; and

(f) resolves to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, to ensure peace and independence is returned for the Ukrainian people—SLAVA UKRAINI!

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:32): I speak on the motion on the emergency response to the flood event and note:

That this house—

(a) recognises the immense efforts of the South Australian emergency service sector during the emergency response to the 2022-23 River Murray flood event;

(b) acknowledges the State Emergency Service, Country Fire Service, Metropolitan Fire Service, South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving South Australia for their service to the community; and

(c) shows its appreciation to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect and support affected communities.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (16:57): I rise to support the National Gas (South Australia) (East Coast Gas System) Amendment Bill 2022. This bill aims to implement a framework that provides the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) with the tools and power to monitor risks to supply adequacy in advance of those risks being realised, to signal those risks to the market and seek a response.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (16:20): I rise in support of the Local Government (Casual Vacancies) Amendment Bill 2023. Occasionally in this place we see sensibilities that are sensible for the state, and I commend the work of the shadow minister, the member for Flinders, in pursuing this issue to make sure that, in this place, we can right the wrongs, and some of these wrongs do not seem to be particularly an individual's fault to a degree.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:15): I rise to support the 14^th report of the Public Works Committee of the Fifty-Fifth Parliament on the Drain L culvert replacement project. This was part of the former federal Liberal government and the state Liberal government's 80:20 joint funding of $190 million to upgrade infrastructure at locations along the Princes Highway corridor in South Australia.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (12:22): I rise to speak to the amended motion by the member for Playford that this house:

(a) notes that 20 January 2023 is National Corrections Day, recognising the tireless work and efforts of our dedicated corrections staff to reduce reoffending and to make the community safer; and

(b) expresses its gratitude to all corrections staff in all roles across the state, including correctional officers, community corrections officers, Aboriginal liaison officers, social workers, psychologists, correctional educators and administration and project staff for their professionalism, skill and compassion.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:10): It is with much pleasure that I discuss the motion on International Volunteer Day:

That this house—

(a) notes that on 5 December 2022 we celebrate International Volunteer Day;

(b) acknowledges the valuable contribution that volunteers made to the economic and social wellbeing of local communities; and

(c) calls on all South Australians to thank and show their appreciation to all volunteers in our community.