Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (14:24): My question is to the Minister for Tourism. Can the minister update the house on how she is supporting and encouraging tourism businesses in the Riverland? With your leave, and that of the house, I will explain.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:18): I rise to give you a headline for tomorrow's paper, sir: the Riverland is not under water nor is the water running up the main streets, as many of the media have indicated along the course of the last week. The Riverland is bustling with activity; it is a hive of activity with river flows. The environment is looking magnificent. Our flood plains and our wetlands are currently experiencing a one-in-20-year drink, and it is magnificent to see.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (12:23): I, too, rise to support this motion. Many of us as MPs have had constituents who have visited us through the course of the journey with the request about speeding up the process of trials on the benefits of medicinal marijuana, or medicinal cannabis I should say, and for many reasons.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (12:40): Tomorrow, Thursday 29 September, marks National Police Remembrance Day, and I will be attending the Police Academy at Taperoo to observe the significance of what National Police Remembrance Day means to our police force and our police community. They come together to reflect on the memory of our police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their service. 

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (12:22): I would like to support this motion. I think it is a very important motion. As a former business owner and proprietor, I have seen only too well the importance of not only what family businesses mean to South Australia and to the nation but what they also mean to communities and the contribution they make in terms driving an economy and also employing people and supporting particularly regional communities when it comes to the buoyancy of those smaller communities in particular.

As the Riverland and Mallee mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone has advised that a book of condolence will be available for the Chaffey community to sign from Wednesday, September 14th at the Chaffey Electorate office.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:33): I rise today to speak about a very important day, World Suicide Prevention Day, on 10 September, and 9 September is R U OK? Day, which is another great initiative for mental health and suicide prevention. I would like to speak today about some statistics and give an understanding of the impacts that mental health and suicide have on the global population and, more importantly, what that means to us in South Australia.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:45): I rise to speak about an issue that is quite concerning, particularly in the regions, and a conversation that South Australians at large have—that is, the impact of mental health and the ongoing pressures it has on day-to-day life, particularly with the impacts through adversity—whether it is in day-to-day life, enduring the social aspects, the pressures in life or some of the social pressures on people.

Murray-Darling Basin communities and those interested in delivering the Basin Plan have a lot to be worried about following Labor’s announcement that Sydney-based barrister, Richard Beasley, will be appointed as South Australia’s new River Murray Commissioner.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has cut crucial funding for 168 Protective Security Officers in a huge blow to the safety and security of South Australians as SAPOL faces a staff shortage crisis.