Mr DULUK (Waite) (15:55): Earlier today, I announced that I will be running as an Independent at the next State Election. My electors from across the entire community recognise the important role an independent has in holding the Government of the day to account, and that is what I have done and that is what I will continue to do.

So what have we achieved to date as an Independent?

Mr DULUK (Waite) (17:55): I also rise today to support the passage of this budget through the house. I actually think overall it is a pretty good budget and there are some fantastic announcements in this package. Before I go on, though, I would like to thank the Treasurer, the Hon. Rob Lucas in the other place, for his service to the parliament and indeed to the people of South Australia over many years. I put on the record that he has been a member of parliament longer than I have been alive. For many years, he has been a good servant, and I think this budget is a fine document for his last public document.

After reviewing the budget papers, it is good to see, as other members have mentioned, improvements to our health system, a plan to fix our roads and moves to address freight issues. Very important to my community is the restoration of our natural environment, funding for schools and community groups and reducing the cost of living for families and business.

Indeed, we are a small business state. In all our budgets and everything we do, we should look after those who are here, day in day out, providing jobs for so many South Australians, and that is the small business community of South Australia. Everything that we can do in all our endeavours in this place and as a government to support small business, to allow them to be open, to be free, to flourish, is so important.

Mr DULUK (Waite) (15:58): Today, I would like to speak about World Environment Day. My community needs no excuse to share the hard work and commitment of green-thumbed residents and volunteers who work week in and week out in our fantastic gardens, national parks and reserves to compassionately help to conserve and enrich our natural environment.

Like everyone else in this house, I will be making a contribution. We cannot be reminded enough of the importance of the decision that we are going to make over the course of this debate today and in the next fortnight. This is an emotional issue and so many of us have experienced the illness, suffering and death of a loved one. All of us, I think, have been in that position. In my own family, we have been no different.

Thank you very much Sir, Mister Deputy Speaker. As so many in this house have already commented, today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Australia's theme for 2021 is 'More than a word.' While words and speaking at a very important in raising concerns of the community, I would like to take the opportunity to promote some of the actions that are being taken in Waite as part of Reconciliation Week. We know the reconciliation movement takes action to amplify the voices of First Nations people.

Mr DULUK (Waite) (15:56): I rise today to talk a little bit about the happenings in the electorate of Waite. From the local sporting teams and their recent successes to activities of our community groups, Waite is thriving at the moment in autumn. One place that is exceptionally colourful and busy at the moment is the Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

Mr DULUK (Waite) (11:25): I also rise to speak to the 104th report of the Public Works Committee into Blackwood High School. I thank the committee for their work and the member for Kavel for the diligent way in which he seeks to make sure these projects are dealt with by his committee in a timely fashion.

As you may be aware, Deputy Speaker, this week marks National Youth Week in South Australia, with the theme Our Voice—Our Future. Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate 2021 Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall who cofounded Taboo with school friend Eloise Hall on their role in breaking down stigma around menstruation and providing greater access to hygiene products. Isobel and Eloise are great success stories from Adelaide. So, well done to both of them as they go about their role in the next 12 months being ambassadors for young Australians.

Mr DULUK (Waite) (12:09): I also rise to speak on this highly commendable motion that has been brought forward by the member for Hammond to highlight such an important part of our community. I know this is an issue of real importance for the member for Hammond, so I thank him for bringing it to the house. Indeed, our community would be nothing without our veterans, and it is right and proper that we should always express our deep gratitude for them, for their service and for protecting our freedoms and our nation for over a century now since the creation of the Australian Defence Force.

Thank you very much Deputy Speaker, I also rise to say a few words about the Supply Bill 2021 and naturally indicate my support for this appropriation from the Consolidated Account for the year ended 30 June 2022.