So which way is it Premier Malinauskas? What is the definition of a “minority?”

Last week the Premier said the government wouldn’t be “constantly going to respond to a minority view”, but instead he wants to focus on what a “silent majority” might want. When asked what he meant, he pointed to “a few things that we’re doing in the park lands”.

So, let’s look at the numbers:

43,784 South Australians signed the parliamentary petition opposing the Park Lands projects.
1,350 submissions informed SA’s Autism Strategy, to which Malinauskas had this to say.
“We have listened and we’re taking action.” (The page with this quote on the Premier’s website is no longer searchable!! Thank you wayback machine)
Just 190 pieces of feedback on the Main South Road overtaking lanes were officially described by his government as showing “strong support” — and helped determine where they would go.
“Thousands” signed Labor’s petition to restore the Adelaide 500. Labor later told Parliament: “those on this side of the chamber heard you.”
24,332 signed the ‘Save the Cranker' petition. The government negotiated with the campaign and passed special legislation to protect the venue. Malinauskas stood on Parliament House steps and declared: “Together, we’ve saved the Cranker.”
Around 350 scholars and prominent Australians signed an open letter opposing the SA Museum restructure. Amid that public backlash Malinauskas intervened: “We’re going to just put a pause on this, examine the facts and see what we can do.” The restructure was ultimately abandoned.

Then wildly, in 2021, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas personally walked into Parliament and presented a ramping petition (which he hasn’t fixed!) signed by 44,869 people. Today, 43,784 people opposing his Park Lands agenda are apparently part of the “minority”.

You can’t have it both ways.

190 = “strong support”.
1,350 = “we have listened”
24,332 = change the law.
44,869 = worth personally delivering to Parliament.
43,784 against something you want = “minority”?

Where is the evidence for this supposed “silent majority” that wants a MotoGP circuit and permanent development through Adelaide’s Park Lands? Where is the equivalent petition? The consultation? The independent polling? These aren’t just some spare patches of grass.

The Adelaide Park Lands and City Layout is National Heritage listed and envied by cities around the world. The Australian Government describes them as a “masterwork of urban design”,i recognised throughout Australia and the world.

All this at a time when cities across the planet are desperately investing in trees, urban forests, and increased canopy to combat rising temperatures, spending BILLIONS to get what Adelaide already has. And here we are talking about cutting into it, in 2026!

If 43,784 South Australians aren’t enough to be listened to, Peter, what number is? Show me the 43,784 signatures in support of it.

Be like Mij, not like Mali.