Former SA opposition leader David Speirs shares ideas for algal bloom recovery
David Speirs has written a document about his ideas for the recovery of the algal bloom. (ABC News: Rory McClaren)
In short:
Former SA Liberal leader David Speirs says he is "not done with public service" after penning his ideas for the algal bloom recovery in a 29-page document.
The Premier says the former opposition leader is entitled to offer commentary but the state government is doing the "on the ground" work.
What's next?
Mr Speirs said he would decide whether he would return to politics by the end of the year.
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs says he will make a decision about his political future in the coming weeks as he launches his own plans for the algal bloom.
The former Liberal leader has released a 29-page document outlining ideas for the algal bloom recovery on a newly-registered website, which he shared on social media on Sunday.
Mr Speirs told ABC Radio Adelaide's Breakfast program on Monday morning that he had the "network and experience and understanding to put these ideas out there" pointing to his previous role as the state's environment minister for four years.
"I got into politics in the first place way back in 2010, running for council because of environmental issues," he said.
"I'm not done with public service and there are different ways you can do that — one thing that I have is a profile, a platform, I'm on your show today because of my past, my past career."
When asked when he would make a call about his political future, Mr Speirs said he would "make decisions towards the end of the year".
"I don't think I need to rush those decisions, because I do have a body of support in the community that seems pretty resilient and robust, and I'll talk to those people over time," he said.
Peter Malinauskas announces on Monday an expansion of the dining cashback program to support hospitality businesses affected by the algal bloom. (ABC News)
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the $102.5 million algal bloom summer plan, announced in October, included investment into environmental recovery such as reinstating seagrasses and native oyster reefs.
"Investing in the environmental recovery is something we're making a priority because it's appropriate," Mr Malinauskas said.
"Mr Speirs is offering a commentary, he announced it from Scotland today as he's entitled to, but we're here on the ground in South Australia doing the work that is necessary and appropriate."
Mr Speirs resigned from parliament in 2024 after being charged by police with two counts of supplying a controlled substance. In April he was convicted and fined after pleading guilty to the offences.
The algal bloom has churned up abnormal foam and discoloured water along South Australian beaches. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Seafood businesses included in voucher scheme
Meanwhile, the SA government has extended its dining cashback program for coastal hospitality businesses to include seafood retailers.
As part of a series of announcements about the state government's algal bloom summer plan, people who won a cashback voucher could redeem up to $50 on their seafood purchases at participating businesses.
The expansion comes as the first round of public ballot opens on Monday for 60,000 dining vouchers available to be spent at algal bloom-affected hospitality businesses.
The dining program is on top of a second round of the "Coast is Calling" voucher scheme that subsidies accommodation and tourism experiences.
The SA Tourism Commission told a parliamentary inquiry on Monday 45 per cent of the first round of 20,000 travel vouchers have been redeemed.
"People are spending over and above, they're spending that in restaurants, on experiences, in petrol stations, cafes, et cetera broadly across the regions," SA Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry said.