South Australia's new parliamentary speaker has begun donating his salary bump to community groups in his electorate, following through on a promise made soon after he was elevated to the role.
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Dan Cregan provided cash to his local CWA branch and an Adelaide Hills choir on Thursday and says similar payments will be made to other groups each fortnight.
"I'm donating my wage as a public servant. I've taken advice on whether I can do so and I've got the all-clear," Mr Cregan said.
"I'm not married, I don't have any children and I guess my costs in life are different.
"I've got some bills to pay like everybody, but I'm pretty cheap to keep. How much does a guy really need?"
Mr Cregan took over as speaker earlier this month when Labor backed a controversial move by crossbench MPs to ensure the office was held by an independent.
In the days leading up to that vote in the House of Assembly, Mr Cregan had announced a decision to quit the Liberal Party.
Soon after Premier Steven Marshall criticised his decision and said the spoils of the speaker's office, including a $150,000 pay increase and a chauffeur-driven car, would do nothing to help the people in Mr Cregan's Adelaide Hills electorate.
As well as donating his pay rise, Mr Cregan said he would also continue to drive his own Ford Falcon, a position he reaffirmed on Thursday.
"I've never driven a government car since being elected and I don't intend to start now," he said.
The speaker said previously his move to leave the Liberals was to ensure "there is a real spotlight on my community".
"There is massive population growth in the hills and no plan from the government," he said.
"We need a new hospital, a new ambulance station, new investment in education and a serious plan for public transport, ideally rail."
Australian Associated Press