While the Opposition welcomes the news that international popstar Katy Perry will grace Adelaide shores next year and the subsequent economic benefits of her visit for South Australia – it leaves questions about the Premier’s priorities.
Last week alone, around 1000 jobs were lost in South Australia due to the Tomato Brown Rugose Virus, Beston Global Food Company entering voluntary administration and ongoing issues at the Whyalla Steelworks – yet the Malinauskas Labor Government is focused on bright, shiny sports and entertainers rather than the hard issues.
“Despite Katy Perry’s performance having the ability to generate significant income for South Australia, the announcement has left many questioning why international artists choose to bypass Adelaide in the first place,” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.
“However, the bigger issue here is that the Premier is again overlooking vulnerable South Australians – especially those working in the tomato industry, dairy industry and at the Whyalla Steelworks.
“We know that around 1000 jobs were lost last week and it looks like there is more pain to come – if only the Premier had the same level of enthusiasm for helping those people.
“I think South Australians are quite cynical about that and they’re calling that out.
“There are families and businesses who are struggling to make ends meet during this cost of living crisis and yet, the Premier has been at interstate football games two weekends in a row.
“That’s not to mention the shocking state of our healthcare system - with ramping at record levels and surgery wait lists blowing out.
"South Australians really have to question Cali-Mali’s priorities when he's chasing international superstars at the MCG on Grand Final Day, rather than addressing the key issues facing the state.”
