Episode Details

South Australias Upper House Results: One Nations Bernardi Secures Second Place, Shaking Up Parliament

The Electoral Commission has announced the winners of South Australias upper house election, just a day before parliament reconvenes. In a surprising turn of events, One Nations Cory Bernardi secured the second spot, narrowly trailing Labors Emily Bourke. The Liberals Ben Hood and Greens Melanie Selwood followed, with Labors Clare Scriven securing the final spot after weeks of tense counts.

The delays in announcing the results had everyone on edge, as new members couldnt begin their duties or draw their salaries. The upper house now consists of ten Labor MLCs, six Liberals, three One Nation members, two Greens, and independent Sarah Game. The eight-year terms of these members have been secured, with One Nations strong showing netting them six million dollars in taxpayer funding.

Premier Peter Malinauskas had previously expressed concern over the commissions delay, and now political speculation is rife around the upper house presidency, a position typically held by the government but currently held by a Liberal. Greens Selwood has called any cross-party deal a betrayal of Labor voters, potentially forcing Labor to court two extra votes for bills.

Parliament resumes tomorrow, with fuel at the forefront of discussions. The government is pushing for quick updates to ration law, allowing the Governor to impose up to ninety days of fuel limits with fines and jail for those who disobey. The Greens are advocating for a six-month public transport fee freeze, while the Liberals are pushing for a diesel reserve, fuel coordinator, and a bill to repeal the First Nations Voice, replacing it with an Aboriginal Lands Committee.

These developments suggest a chamber ready for conflict, as parties prepare to clash over fuel solutions and significant policy issues to kick off the session.

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