Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

There are moments in politics that come and go, and then there are moments that shape the direction of a state for years to come. The recent South Australian election was one of those moments. It was about choosing a future, a vision and a belief in the direction our state is heading. The people of South Australia have made that choice clear. They have backed Labor, they have backed stability and they have backed the party with a long-term view for the prosperity of our state.

At the centre of that vision stands Premier Peter Malinauskas, who has set out a clear path for jobs, infrastructure skills and growth, and is delivering it with discipline and purpose. This election result is a reflection of that leadership—steady, focused and future orientated.

I want to acknowledge my colleague and good mate James Agness, the new member for Light. James is someone who has never lost sight of who he represents. He cares deeply about the community that welcomed him, and that shows in everything he does. His election is earned through hard work, genuine connection and a commitment to standing up for his community every single day.

I offer my sincere commiserations to Tony Piccolo. Twenty years of service to South Australia is no small thing. It is a lifetime of contribution, of advocacy, of putting community first in line. And while this election did not go his way in the seat of Ngadjuri, nothing could take away from what he has given to his state. His legacy is one of dedication and deserves to be recognised in this place.

Commiserations to James Rothe as well. You ran a strong, determined campaign, taking the fight right up to the opposition leader. That takes courage, it takes resilience and it speaks to his belief in the community he sought to represent. I have no doubt we will see more from him in the future.

Nick Champion is my predecessor as the member for Spence. As the now member for Taylor, he is serving as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Housing Infrastructure and Minister for Planning. Nick has always understood the importance of building communities, not just houses; of ensuring growth is matched with opportunity and that more working families are not left behind. His continued contribution to South Australia is significant and deeply valued.

Ella Shaw is the member for Elizabeth. Ella is someone who cares deeply about her community, and, more importantly, she fights for it. Day in, day out she is there listening, advocating and delivering. Communities like Elizabeth deserve that kind of representation, and they know they have it in Ella.

Zoe Bettison is the returning member for Ramsay, an electorate in the heart of Salisbury. Zoe brings energy, experience and a genuine passion for celebrating what makes South Australia unique.

We have Rhiannon Pearce, who is the member for King. Rhiannon becomes the Minister for Emergency Services, the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. They are three substantial portfolios, but I know the people of South Australia have total faith in Rhiannon—me included.

John Fulbrook, the member for Playford, is a great bloke, plain and simple. I cannot think of anyone better to represent his community's interests. He understands the north, he understands people and he brings that understanding into everything he does. You have done it with a lot going on personally, mate, and I wish you all the best for you new term.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Matthew Marozzi, my first campaign manager and someone who knows how to run a campaign with precision and the heart. A 10 per cent swing and a victory in the seat of Morialta is no small feat. It's the result of hard work and a great strategy.

This election has shown something important: when you put forward a clear plan, when you stay focused on people and when you deliver, communities respond. They are interested in a government that shows up, listens and gets on with the job, and that is exactly what the Malinauskas Labor government has done, and will continue to do. This result is not the end of the work; it is a mandate to keep going. It is a mandate to keep building, to keep investing and to keep delivering from the city to the regions, and especially in communities like those across the northern suburbs. South Australia is moving forward with confidence, with purpose and with a government that is prepared to do the work, and I, for one, look forward to being part of that journey alongside my state colleagues.

Congratulations to all new and returning members right across the state of South Australia. You've put on an extremely disciplined campaign over the last six-odd weeks. You deserve to reap the rewards of what you've gone about and delivered. Well done, and keep up the great work. I look forward to working alongside all of you over the coming years.

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