Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (17:27): I rise to support the Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Binding Rate of Return Instrument) Bill 2018. I note that on 14 July 2017 the COAG Energy Council agreed to implement a binding rate of return instrument for the rate of return on capital of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Western Australia Economic Regulation Authority (WAERA) regulatory determinations for regulated electricity and gas network businesses. This was a matter that emerged from the COAG Energy Council review into the effectiveness of the limited merits review framework by which network businesses could challenge decisions of the regulator.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:45): I rise to support the motion by the member for Newland:

That this house notes that 26 October is World Teachers' Day (Australia) and expresses its appreciation to all South Australian teachers and former teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping our next generation to be all they can be.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:37): Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is great to be back. The four-year election cycle of local government is fast approaching, with voting slips hitting mailboxes this week. Unlike state and federal elections, it is not compulsory to vote for local government; however, we are privileged to live in a democratic society, and this is democracy working at its best.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:46): I rise to speak to the Education and Children's Services Bill 2018. After hearing the comments of the member for Hurtle Vale, I commend the Minister for Education because, obviously, this piece of legislation is a large and imminent threat to the Australian Education Union. If that be it, that be it. I declare up-front that my wife is a public servant and works for the Department for Education. She has worked in schools in both metropolitan and country areas, which gives me a little insight into some of the things that go on in our education system.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:40): I rise to support the second report of the Natural Resources Committee, entitled 'Fact finding visit: South Australian arid lands natural resources management region'. I think it is fantastic that the committee has managed to get up to this beautiful part of our state in the electorate of the minister and member for Stuart. I have been there myself several times with the current member for Stuart and the previous member for Stuart, and I went up on a trip when invited by the previous minister, the member for Mawson. I visited outback areas, and I appreciated that opportunity.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (12:29): I rise to support the motion:

That this house—

(a) recognises that Saturday 13 October is International Day for Disaster Reduction;

(b) expresses its appreciation to all emergency services workers, professional and volunteer, who work so hard to protect our community throughout our state; and

(c) calls on the state government to work with our emergency services to ensure that they are adequately resourced to prevent and respond to natural disasters.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (12:01): I am not the lead speaker, as obviously this bill has already been introduced into the house. I rise to speak to the excellent budget measures that the Marshall Liberal government has put in place in regard to our first budget. I think it is a balanced budget. We are making sure that we fund our 300 or so specific election promises. Notwithstanding that, there is a little bit of pain along the way. However, the pain could have been a lot worse if it were not for the excellent financial management of our team, including the Treasurer, the Hon. Rob Lucas from another place, trying to sort out the wood from the trees.

Mr PEDERICK: I acknowledge that this motion brought to the house:

(a) acknowledges that 27 September is World Tourism Day; and

(b) acknowledges the importance of tourism for the culture and the economy of South Australia.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:14): I rise to support the motion by the Minister for Police:

That this house—

(a) recognises that National Police Remembrance Day is held on 28 September 2018;

(b) acknowledges that this day honours the memory of police men and women who have given their lives in the service of the community;

(c) appreciates the ongoing dedication of sworn and non-sworn SAPOL members across the city, suburbs and regions of South Australia; and

(d) thanks all South Australian police for the great work they do in making South Australia a safe place to live.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:26): I rise to speak to the Public Works Committee's fifth report of the 54th parliament. The report is in regard to the South Australian virtual power plant project. This is obviously a project that is being looked at by the Public Works Committee because part of the phases of this work is around how much money is invested in the project. The issue is the potential for the project to go over $4 million, so for obvious reasons it goes direct to the Public Works Committee, which has looked at this issue.