Malinauskas government taskforces ‘gesture politics’, according to the opposition

The opposition has hit out at the Malinauskas government over establishing dozens of reviews and taskforces since winning the March election.

The Malinauskas government has been accused of inaction and “gesture politics” after establishing dozens of reviews and taskforces since winning the March election.

Analysis by the opposition shows at least 50 reviews, taskforces, expert panels, committees and other bureaucratic inquiries have been announced since the March 19 poll.

Among the inquiries are the $2.45m Royal Commission in Early Childhood Education, led by Julia Gillard, and a review of the Torrens-to-Darlington project.

Other probes include a scientific review for coastline sand management and a review of E-scooter legislation.

Opposition leader David Speirs, left, with his deputy leader John Gardner at Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

But the state government denied deputy opposition leader John Gardner’s claims that Premier Peter Malinauskas’ “standard response to any issue is to have a review of taskforce”.

“He throws these announcements around like confetti because he is terrified of making hard choices on serious issues,” Mr Gardner said.

“It’s gesture politics at its laziest. The number of reviews and taskforces keeps jumping up, but practical outcomes have been non-existent.”

A government source said the opposition’s analysis was inaccurate, as some of the inquiries were required by law while many others hadn’t begun.

A government spokesman said Labor was “committed to real action based upon the best advice”.

“The fact Mr Gardner sees community consultation and thorough, evidence-based decision-making as gesture politics says volumes about the way the Liberals operate,” he said.

He said the review into the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital was “short and sharp” and “ensured we were building the right hospital for the state’s long-term future”.

“Similarly with the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, we undertook to listen carefully to the community about the best location,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve done that, and now planning work is proceeding.”