Liberals say support rising in SA

Internal polling has revealed support is building for the Liberals in South
Australia ahead of the March 20 election.
But Liberals Leader Isobel Redmond brushed off suggestions some key marginal seats
were already "in the bag", saying she's taking nothing for granted.
"I don't think anything is in the bag. Everything relies on election day," she told
reporters on Monday.
"My job at the moment is to focus on getting our message out to the community so
that they recognise that there are very clear policy differences between the two
sides in this contest."
But Ms Redmond said internal polling had revealed a changing mood in the community
and the signs of momentum building for the Liberals.
"We are hopeful that we're at least going to give this government a real run for
their money," she said.
Going into the first week of the campaign the opposition pledged to make government
more transparent and accountable with plans to establish an Independent Commission
Against Corruption (ICAC) within the first 100 days of a Liberal administration.
She said the opposition had already launched a search for a suitable person to head
the $18 million a year corruption watchdog.
It also proposed removing fees for some freedom of information applications,
providing increased whistleblower protection and establishing a statement of
principles for all MPs.
"We believe the public has the right to feel confident about every institution in
this state," Ms Redmond said.
"People need to feel confident that decisions are being made for the right reasons,
and that there is no corruption occurring."
The Labor government continues to rule out a state-based ICAC but has supported the
idea of a national body established by the federal government.
Premier Mike Rann also used Monday to focus on a law and order issue, promising to
introduce tough new controls on South Australian probationary drivers if his
government is returned.
Under the proposed reforms P platers would have their licence suspended for a
minimum of 12 months for some offences including drink driving - double the current
penalty of six months.
Mr Rann said the majority of new drivers took their responsibility very seriously
but there were some who believed it was acceptable to speed excessively or drink and
drive.
"Holding a driver's licence is a privilege, not a right," Mr Rann said.
The premier also revealed plans to use a former Mitsubishi Motors factory site in
Adelaide's southern suburbs to establish a sustainable technologies precinct for
innovative companies in advanced manufacturing.
Somewhat surprisingly, the state's farmers said they didn't care which party won the
election, provided the next government understood the importance of country issues
to all South Australians.
"Frankly, we don't give a damn who's in government," South Australian Farmers
Federation president Peter White said.
"As long as we elect quality MPs who understand that country issues are now city
issues.
"Because nothing matters more to every South Australian than being able to afford
fresh, nutritious food to put on the family table each day."