South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond

LABOR LEAKS: Rann In Desperate Search Of Personal Legacy

Victor P Taffa

Labor’s latest high level leak has revealed that lame duck Premier Mike Rann will announce a $100 Million tramline extension in coming days.

A leak from within Government has indicated the Victoria Square tramline will be extended down Gouger Street and then onto either Morphett Street or West Terrace. Apparently the $100 Million extension will then link up with the North Terrace tramline.

“What we have here is lame duck Premier Mike Rann again searching for a personal legacy and deliberately trying to derail the Labor Government.” Leader of the Opposition Isobel Redmond said.

“Not only that, but Labor this week broke one of its key 2010 election promises by announcing the $75 Million Darlington Interchange project has been scrapped.”

“If Labor can afford to splash out $100 Million on a tramline extension, then it can afford to honour its $75 Million Darlington Interchange promise.”

“However, the $445 Million cost of the Southern Expressway duplication will not change, leading to speculation that Labor will experience yet another major project cost blowout.”

“Basically South Australians are getting less for more with this project.”

“Let’s not forget that Treasurer Snelling said earlier this year “the simple fact is that there is little or no capacity to add on to the already historically high infrastructure spend” (Channel 9, 9 May).

“Not only that, but L-plate Premier Jay Weatherill isn’t even aware of Mr. Rann’s Gouger Street tramline extension, highlighting Labor’s inherent disunity problems.”

(Abraham: one of the things [Mike Rann would] like to see is the tram running down Gouger Street before he leaves Parliament … what else is on the wish list, do you know? Bring back the Ferris wheel on top of Cox Foyes or what?) Weatherill: … I don’t know … I didn’t notice those remarks … that’s not a present government decision. (Abraham: Well, there’s no money there for it, according to Jack Snelling, but Mike wants that before he steps down … tram going down Chinatown.) Weatherill: … I’m not familiar with that. (ABC Radio, 9 August 2011)

“Mr. Rann is trying desperately to find a legacy – he is clinging onto the BHP announcement, a tram down Gouger Street, and a mysterious arts announcement.” Ms. Redmond said.

“Mr. Rann is holding our state to ransom and he is doing Mr. Weatherill slowly.”

“Labor’s latest high level leak demonstrates South Australia has a rotten Government with leaders who don’t talk to each other.”

South Australia Minister for Transport Patrick Conlon

GAWLER RAIL LINE TO BEGIN MAJOR WORKS IN SEPTEMBER

Victor P Taffa

Works towards the transformational electrification of Adelaide’s rail network will move a major step closer with works on the Gawler line set to kick off next month.

The start of Stage Two of major track works on the Gawler rail line is scheduled for Sunday, 18 September, 2011.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said the works would upgrade sections of Adelaide’s most used track between Mawson Interchange and Gawler Central.

“The upgrade of the Gawler line is a vital part of the State and Federal Government’s unprecedented $2.6 Billion, decade-long investment in South Australia’s public transport infrastructure.” Mr. Conlon said.

“This project is a great example of Governments’ commitment to transforming the way that South Australians get around, providing a faster, cleaner option.”

Mr. Conlon said that although there would be some obvious disruptions during the closure, everything possible was being done to minimise inconvenience for customers.

“We will ensure all the relevant information is easily accessible and have been taking steps to make this transition as smooth as possible.” Mr. Conlon said.

Mr. Conlon said the department would take the opportunity to upgrade existing stations along the line as well as build new stations at Elizabeth and Munno Para during the closure of the track.

“The revitalisation of the Gawler line will upgrade the track and key stations in preparation for new electric trains on the Adelaide transport network in 2013.” Mr. Conlon said.

 Works to be undertaken as part of Stage Two include:

• Upgrading the base layer
• Removal of over 110,000 cubic metres of old ballast and soil
• Installing 80,000 new gauge-convertible concrete sleepers
• Installing over 110,000 cubic metres of new ballast
• Improving stormwater drainage
• Refurbishing/replacing up to 54 kilometres of rail
• Constructing new stations at Elizabeth and Munno Para
• Upgrading Elizabeth South and Gawler Stations
• Constructing a new car park at Smithfield Station
• Upgrading 11 level crossings
• Constructing a ‘turn-back’ facility at Elizabeth Station.

During the closure substitute bus services will be available at Gawler Central to transport passengers to Mawson Interchange as efficiently as possible.

Train services will continue to operate from Mawson Lakes through to the City, and vice versa.

Letters and brochures detailing the timing of the 18 September works, maps and substitute bus timetables will be distributed to local residents from later this month August.

The section of track between Mawson Interchange and Gawler Central is expected to re-open in April 2012.

In preparation for major works to begin in September, train services between Adelaide and Salisbury will be suspended for Sunday, 28 August 2011.

Services between Adelaide and Salisbury will cease after the final service on Saturday, 27 August. Passenger services will operate between Gawler Central and Salisbury, while bus substitute services will run between Adelaide and Salisbury.

Normal train services will resume from first service Monday, 29 August 2011.

Substitute bus and temporary train timetables for the closure of the track in September will be available via www.adelaidemetro.com.au or by calling the Adelaide Metro hotline on 1300 311 108.

Letters and brochures detailing the timing of the 18 September works, maps and substitute bus timetables will be distributed to local residents from later this month.

Project information is available by visiting www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au, by emailing dtei.rr@sa.gov.au or by calling the project team on 1300 782 454.

South Australia Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council David Ridgway

Rann Resigns – Well, Sort Of Jay Demonstrates Weak Leadership Over BHP & COAG

Victor P Taffa

Premier on L-plates Jay Weatherill is demonstrating his weak and insipid leadership by allowing lame duck Premier Mike Rann to conduct BHP Billiton negotiations and attend COAG without him.

Mr. Weatherill appears to be allowing Mr. Rann to fuel Labor’s winter of discontent, division and disunity.

“Mr. Rann is holding important meetings with BHP Billiton and Mr. Weatherill has been deliberately left out in the cold.” Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council David Ridgway said.

“Mr. Rann said last week he would “mentor” Premier-in-waiting Jay Weatherill, hence the L-plates.”

“However, Mr. Rann has yet again deceived South Australians by making misleading statements.”

Mr. Rann, on at least two occasions has confirmed Mr. Weatherill would be part of important discussions with BHP Billiton.

Mr. Rann has said:

“[Negotiations are] now at a critical and sensitive stage and it is important that the new leader is brought into this complex process.” (Advertiser 16-Aug-2011)

“…I would be failing in my duty and in my obligations to the state if I did anything which hindered the successful completion of the final round of negotiations which I will be involved with the week after next. And Jay will be brought into that process.” (Rann press conference 8-Aug-2011)

“It’s time for Mr. Weatherill to stand up for South Australia and end almost a decade of Labor deceit.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“If Mr. Rann was putting the interests of South Australia before his own self-interest, then he would allow Mr. Weatherill to take part in such important discussions.”

“But Mr. Weatherill doesn’t have the ticker or the strength in leadership to do the right thing and start telling Mr. Rann some home truths.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“Of course BHP Billiton now holds the power in this relationship as Mr. Rann has set his expiry date.”

“Not only that, but Mr. Rann has announced he is attending COAG this week not with Mr Weatherill, but with Monsignor David Cappo instead.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“Put simply, Mr. Rann would rather attend COAG with Mr. Cappo than Mr. Weatherill.”

“Mr. Rann as a lame duck is attending COAG, taking Labor’s state embarrassment and farce to the national stage.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“Mr. Rann is holding our state to ransom and he is doing Mr. Weatherill slowly.”

“There are now so many plots that Labor has lost the plot as a Party and Government.”

“Mr. Rann continues to put his own interests before the interests of the state.” Mr. Ridgway said.

South Australia Shadow Minister for Urban Development and Planning David Ridgway

Taking Politics Out Of Planning

Victor P Taffa

The South Australian Liberals will begin consultation with industry stakeholders to take the politics out of planning in South Australia.

Building on Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond’s recent CBD planning announcement Shadow Urban Planning Minister David Ridgway has addressed the State’s leading developers, architects, urban planners, local government and community representatives seeking their ideas on how to make the planning industry more transparent.

“The South Australian Liberals want an improved planning system that the public can have full confidence is honest, efficient and fair.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“As well as being honest, it has to offer the building and development industry – which accounts for over 12 % of our Gross State Product and creates 14 full time jobs for every $1 million of investment – a prosperous business environment.”

“At the moment, South Australia is a long way off that mark.”

“The built environment creates the places for people to live, work, play and travel. But almost every planning outcome ultimately hinges on a Ministerial decision. That’s not good enough.”

“The community wants more accountability and transparency in development decisions and industry wants a simpler, more efficient system, based on merit rather than access to lobbyists.”

One option Mr. Ridgway has examined is the Western Australian Planning Commission model which has depoliticised planning decisions and driven planning reform to unlock WA’s economic potential.

 “Under Labor, bureaucracy and paper work is out of control. Since 2008 the amount of planning regulation has increased by 20 % – the total volume of the State’s Development Plans has reached over 20,000 pages.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“There are over 100 different residential zones and within those zones, over 300 policy areas!”

“A Planning Commission would be a one stop shop for developers. It would cut the amount of paper work and remove any conflict of interest in the planning process.”

The South Australian Liberals are also committed to making housing more affordable.

“Adelaide’s residential land is now more expensive than Sydney’s but our block sizes are, on average, the smallest of all Australian capital cities.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“In part, this is due to restricted land supply, a system which has failed to speedily bring growth areas to market, and failure to create innovative funding and governance solutions to deliver essential infrastructure.”

“Providing an ample supply of zoned and serviced land for both fringe and infill development is a core role of the State planning system and an essential enabler of housing affordability.”

The South Australian Liberals will consult widely over the coming months to make sure that as many South Australians as possible can have a genuine input.

“I’m asking for public submissions. I genuinely want to hear from industry, councils, heritage groups, and communities and individuals working for their city, its suburbs and environs.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“Some people may wish to comment on the mandate of an independent planning commission, resourcing and staffing commission, infrastructure funding options, the role of existing government bodies and the interface between the commission, community, regions, government and industry.” Mr. Ridgway said.

South Australia Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council David Ridgway

Rann Resigns – Well, Sort Of Rann Now Turns To Rewriting History

Victor P Taffa

Lame duck Premier Mike Rann continues to deceive South Australians.

Yesterday on Sky News, Mr. Rann tried to spin the line that he was never going to lead Labor to the 2014 State Election.

In fact, Mr. Rann has repeatedly told newspaper journalists, television reporters and radio announcers that he would be leading Labor to the next election.

Mr. Rann said yesterday:

“…there’s absolutely no doubt that SA Unions…have been celebrating the fact that I’m stepping down four and a half months early…”

“This is where Mr. Rann is again misleading South Australians.” Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council David Ridgway said.

“Mr. Rann is trying to spin the line that he was only ever going to lead Labor until March next year, coinciding with his 10 year anniversary as Premier.

“Let’s not forget that Mr. Rann is now concerned only about himself and his personal legacy.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“There’s no denying the fact that Mr. Rann is now trying to rewrite history by claiming he’s had to step down “four and a half months early.”

“In fact, Mr. Rann is stepping down three and a half years early.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“The 2010 State Election was fought on the issue of trust and Mr. Rann has now confirmed that South Australians shouldn’t trust anything he or any Labor MP says.”

“Not only that, but Labor’s biggest bungles have been supported by Mr Weatherill – South Australia will have a new clown, but it’s still the same Labor circus.” Mr. Ridgway said.

South Australia Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams

Rann Resigns – Well, Sort Of Mike Is Doing Jay Slowly

Victor P Taffa

One thing is clear amidst Labor’s deepening division and disunity – lame duck Premier Mike Rann is doing Premier-in-waiting Jay Weatherill slowly.

“Labor’s embarrassing winter of discontent, division and disunity will be on display at COAG next week for all of Australia to see.” Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams said today.

“South Australia remains in paralysis with a lame duck Premier, a Premier-in-waiting on L-plates and a divided and dysfunctional Labor Government.”

“Labor has lurched from crisis to crisis, ranging from embarrassing court cases to crippling leadership crises.” Mr. Williams said.

Labor’s winter of discontent, division and disunity includes the following:

• An unnamed Labor MP will face court this month on charges of child pornography
• This week the person who allegedly assaulted Police Minister Kevin Foley will appear before the Courts
• Local Government Minister Russell Wortley faced and lost a vote of no confidence last month
• Premier-in-waiting Jay Weatherill with Treasurer Jack Snelling and a boy Unionist launched a failed assassination of Mike Rann, resulting in crippling disunity and farce
• Labor MLC Bob Sneath heightened Labor’s disunity by threatening to call a leadership ballot, defying Jay Weatherill’s instructions
• Lame duck Premier Mike Rann is holding South Australia to ransom to achieve his own personal milestones
• Lame duck Premier Mike Rann has effectively said that Jay Weatherill is not up to the job as he needs mentoring, or L-plates
• Lame duck Premier Mike Rann has broken yet another election promise by not leading Labor to the 2014 election

“Labor’s winter of discontent, division and disunity is like Dad’s Army meets the Keystone Cops – this has become absolutely farcical.” Mr. Williams said.

“In the words of former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating, Mike Rann is doing Jay Weatherill slowly.”

“Mr. Rann is trying desperately to find a legacy, hence he is clinging on to the BHP announcement, a tram down Gouger Street that Treasurer Snelling is not aware of, and a mysterious arts announcement.” Mr. Williams said.

“Not only that, but Mr. Rann as a lame duck is attending COAG next week – taking Labor’s state embarrassment and farce to the national stage.”

“Mr. Rann is holding our state to ransom and he is doing Mr. Weatherill slowly.” Mr. Williams said.

“They literally loathe each other in the Labor Party, so they spend so much time fighting amongst themselves they forget what they were elected for.”

“Not only that, but Labor’s biggest bungles have been supported by Mr. Weatherill – South Australia will have a new clown, but it’s still the same Labor circus.” Mr. Williams said.

South Australia Shadow Minister for Police David Ridgway

Safety Is Kevin Foley’s Last Priority

Victor P Taffa

In an emergency, who will you call?

Not Kevin Foley. The Minister for Emergency Services and Police has shown “no interest” in a proposal for lower speed limits at road crashes.

The CFS Volunteers Association says the Mr. Foley has shown no interest in a proposal which would cut the legal speed at crash sites from 40 to 25 kilometres per hour.

The association has been lobbying the government for 18 months, but says Mr. Foley has really “no interest in that at all”.

“Mr. Foley is not doing his job. He seems far too preoccupied in the chaos engulfing his job and the Minister’s right faction to concentrate on saving lives.” Shadow Police Minister David Ridgway said this afternoon.

“The CFS association believes the present speed limit risks the lives of emergency service workers.”

“This comes at a time when Mr. Foley, as former Treasurer and now as Police Minister, has overseen the road safety budget slashed by three quarters of a million dollars.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“And appallingly, Labor has underspent the Road Use Education budget by $750,000.”

“Kevin Foley is shopping around for life after politics. He should quit now to make life better for the other 1,650,399 South Australians.” Mr. Ridgway said. 

South Australia Shadow Minister for Employment David Pisoni

Rann & Weatherill Fight For Top Job As More South Australians Lose Theirs

Victor P Taffa

While lame duck Premier Mike Rann and the L-plater Premier-in-waiting Jay Weatherill have been fighting over the top job 1,600 more South Australians have become unemployed.

According to ABS statistics released today South Australia’s unemployment rate has jumped to 5.3 %. It is second only to flood-ravaged Queensland and well above the national average of 5.1 %.

Shadow Employment Minister David Pisoni said Labor Ministers must stop pursuing their own self interests and start looking out for the interests of South Australians.

“Labor is saying they care more about their own jobs than jobs for South Australians.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“While Mr. Rann and Mr. Weatherill have been fighting over the top job, in the last month 1,600 South Australians have become unemployed.

“Labor’s instability under two half-baked Premiers means South Australia continues to remain in a holding pattern.

“After ten years under Premier Rann South Australia is in an employment crisis and there is no guarantee things will improve under Mr. Weatherill’s weak leadership.”

South Australia Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams

Rann Resigns – Well, Sort Of SA Now Has An Insipid Government On L-Plates

Victor P Taffa

With a lame duck Premier, a Premier-in-waiting and a divided Cabinet, South Australia now has an insipid Labor Government on L-plates.

“South Australia cannot afford as a state to have a Government and a Premier-in-waiting on L-plates.” Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams said.

“Unfortunately for South Australians, Labor’s faceless Unionists and powerbrokers have delivered this dysfunctional situation to our state.”

“Lame duck Premier Mike Rann, who is holding the Government to ransom, has effectively told South Australians that Mr. Weatherill is not up to the job of Premier.”

“This is why Mr Rann has said Mr Weatherill needs mentoring, or L-plates.” Mr. Williams said.

“Mr. Rann’s own divided Labor Government has now confirmed it has no confidence in him as Premier, hence this slow motion assassination we’re seeing.”

“However, Mr Weatherill has shown himself to be a weak and insipid alternative.”

• He failed to assassinate Kevin Foley in last year’s embarrassing deputy leadership ballot
• He failed to assassinate Mr. Rann by sending in Jack Snelling and a boy unionist
• Once he had blood on his hands, he blinked and couldn’t finish off negotiations with Mr. Rann

“How does Mr. Weatherill seriously expect South Australians to trust him to negotiate the best deals for our state, especially when on radio this morning he couldn’t list any priorities for the future of South Australia under his stewardship?”

“Until last week, Mr. Rann obviously knew something about Mr Weatherill that the rest of the state didn’t – and that is he is weak, insipid and has no courage or conviction as the alternative Labor leader.” Mr. Williams said.

“Perhaps Mr Rann has known all along that Mr. Weatherill wouldn’t be up to the job.”

“Not only that, but Labor’s biggest bungles have been supported by Mr Weatherill – South Australia will have a new clown, but it’s still the same Labor circus.” Mr. Williams said.

South Australia Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams

Rann Resigns – Well, Sort Of South Australia Now In Complete Paralysis

Victor P Taffa

Government in South Australia under Labor has now officially become farcical with lame duck Premier Mike Rann announcing the date of his resignation.

Mr. Rann has today indicated his preferred date of resignation as Premier – Thursday 20 October.

“He is now officially a lame duck Premier.” Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mitch Williams said.

“There is a clear message to business and community groups around Australia – do not communicate with Mr. Rann as he is a lame duck.”

“Mr. Rann has also sent a clear message to South Australians – Mr. Weatherill needs mentoring before becoming Premier. He’s obviously not up to the job.” Mr. Williams said.

“Mr. Rann, by nominating 20 October as his preferred date, must endure nine Parliamentary sitting days as a lame duck.”

“Mr. Rann’s own Labor Government has now confirmed it has no confidence in him as Premier – so why now allow him to stay until 20 October?”

“Mr. Rann should not be able to hang around to achieve his own personal milestones.” Mr. Williams said.

“The Labor brand across Australia has now been completely wrecked after Labor’s Unions have been involved in knifing Labor leaders.”

“There is no hiding the fact that Mr. Rann has been knifed in the back and now he is being pushed out the door without achieving his own personal milestones.” Mr. Williams said.

“South Australia continues to remain in a holding pattern as a result of Mr. Rann’s colossal ego.”

“Assuming Labor’s powerbrokers don’t decide to knife Mr. Rann before 20 October, Government in South Australia has descended into farce.”

“It’s now time for Mr. Rann to put the interests of South Australia before his own self-interest.” Mr. Williams said.

“Mr. Weatherill must now finish off South Australia’s lame duck Premier – it’s the right thing to do for good governance in our state.”

“Fittingly, Mr. Rann has announced yet another broken promise – that he won’t be leading Labor to the 2014 election.” Mr. Williams said.