Working hard for South Australia's future

Latest from John

In Parliament

China International Education and Cultural Ties
Aug 02, 2018
The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: My question is directed to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Will the minister update the council on how the government is deepening the international...
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Suicide Prevention
Aug 01, 2018
The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:30): Last week was a great week for the suicide prevention sector, not only in South Australia but across the nation. The national suicide prevention conference,...
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Children's Health Services
Jul 31, 2018
The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:30): My question is directed to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Will the minister update the council on children's health services?
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About Parliament

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

The Legislative Council, or upper house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of South Australia. Its central purpose is to act as a house of review for legislation passed through the lower house, the House of Assembly. It sits in Parliament House in the state capital, Adelaide.

The upper house has 22 members elected for eight-year terms by proportional representation, with 11 members facing re-election every four years. It is elected in a similar manner to its federal counterpart, the Australian Senate. Casual vacancies—where a member resigns or dies—are filled by a joint sitting of both houses, who then elect a replacement.

Learn more about South Australia's Parliament

John's causes

SUICIDE PREVENTION

John has been a passionate advocate of suicide prevention throughout his public service, bringing awareness and openness to a topic that for many years was treated as taboo. John was first appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in 2012, and currently serves as the State Opposition Spokesperson for Suicide Prevention.

John works closely with many suicide prevention networks and organisations, such as the 801 Group, Silent Ripples, Beyond Blue, as well as the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist at SA Health, and many more.

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