Question time has come to a merciful end. Don't forget to tune in for more democracy tomorrow.
SA Parliament resumes for 2020: Liberal MP Sam Duluk’s behaviour at Christmas party to overshadow proceedings
Under-fire Liberal MP Sam Duluk has broken his silence over sexual harassment allegations stemming from a Christmas party. WATCH PARLIAMENT LIVE
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Liberal MP Sam Duluk has made a brief statement to parliament about sexual harassment allegations.
Besieged Liberal MP Sam Duluk claims he has "begun a journey of recovery" as he addressed State Parliament and again apologised about his behaviour at a boozy Christmas party.
Mr Duluk, who has been accused of making sexist, racist and homophobic remarks at the parliamentary Christmas show in December, made a statement ahead of Question Time on Wednesday afternoon.
The Member for Waite said he "consumed too much alcohol" and "made an error of judgment" in choosing to join colleagues for further Christmas drinks.
"I deeply regret that my behaviour on that night caused offence and distress to others and for that I apologise," he said.
"My behaviour on that evening was not consistent with my character and values. I take full responsibility for my actions on the night, which is why I have apologised privately and publicly, and that is why I am making this statement to the House today."
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Mr Duluk told Parliament he would co-operate with the investigation into his behaviour and reiterated that he was seeking professional help for his alcohol use.
"I have sought and I am receiving professional help in both combating alcohol use as well as dealing with the disappointment and distress that I have caused to those who have supported me and continue to support me," he said.
"In reflecting on my behavior, in seeking forgiveness and in proactively receiving professional help, I believe that I have begun a journey of recovery."
Mr Duluk said he was committed to staying and serving his electorate.
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CITY STADIUM FLAGGED AS PARLIAMENT RE-OPENS.
Plans for a possible new inner-city stadium and poaching white collar workers from interstate have been floated at the opening of State Parliament, on a day destined to be overshadowed by bad behaviour at a boozy Christmas Party.
The stadium would host soccer or indoor sports like basketball and netball could be built under plans floated in the State Government’s 2020 agenda.
“We’d like to very seriously consider the option of a new facility for the centre of the city,” Premier Steven Marshall said.
“All options are on the table, but I think soccer is definitely a priority for us. But we don’t want it to be particularly limited to one sport.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Governor Hieu Van Le delivered a speech spelling out Premier Steven Marshall’s plans for the next two years until the election, which featured a tribute to those affected by fires and major pledges on climate change action.
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Updates
That's it
So, what's next?
As this question time winds down, time to look to tomorrow. With Labor focusing its entire attack on Tarzia today, it's safe to assume they will take a different tack tomorrow.
At a guess, it will be premier Steven Marshall's turn for a grilling tomorrow. It's possible Labor was saving him up because question time started so late today.
Could get a more firey then. Been an oddly subdued chamber today.
No progress
Malinauskas continuing to ask whether he discussed the witness list with Sam Duluk. Tarzia, again, refers to his earlier statements.
Third time lucky
Lee Odenwalder latest to get his marching orders
Bill and Ted make an appearance
Treasury spokesman Stephen Mullighan kicked out. Raises a point of order under standing order number 98 which apparently requires a member to answer the substance of a question. Mullighan goading the Speaker, saying he hasn't answered any questions in 45 minutes.
Tarzia not happy. "That is a totally bogus point of order,'' he shouts.
Hopefully the next point of order will be "excellent" and not "heinous"
You guessed it
Malinauskas asks again on the witness list.
Nothing doing
And a quick interjection from Malinauskas
Back to Malinauskas. Not for long. Point of order
Volume up. "Question does contain argument.''
Dorothy's turn again.
Going out on a limb here but I have a sneaking suspicion the next question will also be directed to Mr Speaker.
And yet more
It's like Groundhog Day, without the talent, wit or entertainment value. Close again asks Tarzia about the investigation. Tarzia again avoids a direct answer. Tarzia hasn't answered this many questions since his Year 12 exams.
We have a winner
Tarzia snaps and the winner of the competition to be the first MP kicked out this year is unexpected. It's the Member for Reynell, Katrine Hildyard.
"I've been patient for 35 minutes,'' complains the speaker. Which means the bad news is there is still 25 minutes to go.
Can I get a witness?
Close still chasing the witness list.
"I will not be commenting publicly on the investigation, says Tarzia.
Refers back to the original statement. Warns Malinauskas about speaking over him. Bit like a tetchy teacher at school.