Published June 2023
Labor has shown once again just how little they care about protecting the Adelaide Park Lands – joining SA Best in voting down the establishment of a Select Committee to investigate the management and preservation of this world class asset.
The Select Committee – which was proposed by the Opposition and supported by the Greens - would have explored whether the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005 is achieving its purpose – but despite Labor’s pre-election promise to “protect Adelaide’s unique Park Lands” they hypocritically shot down the move in the Upper House.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has reneged on their election promise at every turn, including their controversial decision to bulldoze the Thebarton Police Barracks and relocate the facilities to another area of the Park Lands – with Park 21 West/Mirnu Wirra earmarked as SAPOL’s preferred location.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Environment and Heritage, Jack Batty, said Labor’s rejection is a disgraceful attempt by Peter Malinauskas to shut down any scrutiny of his handling of the Park Lands.
“The Adelaide Park Lands are not just empty spaces that Peter Malinauskas can use as a land bank whenever he pleases – but a vital part of our community’s identity that need to be treated with respect,” Mr Batty said.
“The Select Committee’s inquiry into the Park Lands would have provided an opportunity to investigate the management of this unique asset and whether any changes are needed to ensure they’re properly protected.
“It’s hard to believe Labor is the same party that declared they would ‘protect Adelaide’s unique Park Lands’ before the election, because these valuable spaces have been under attack ever since.
“It’s also incredibly disappointing that SA Best joined Labor in shutting down the proposed committee.
“There is huge community concern over the future of the Adelaide Park Lands and that Peter Malinauskas will look to develop these precious areas even further, so this is an issue that should be closely examined.
“We want to make sure the Park Lands remain a vibrant and cherished part of Adelaide’s landscape for generations to come.”
