Liberal leader and would-be premier Steven Marshall and the man who wants the balance of power in South Australia, Nick Xenophon, have faced off before property experts in Adelaide, highlighting the need for boosting investment and economic growth.
In a debate organised by the Property Council on Friday, Mr Xenophon went straight to an issue important to his audience - land tax.
"It's an investment and jobs killer that SA's land tax is virtually double the national average," he said.
"The rate of land tax needs to be brought down within no longer than five years to the national average - from 3.7 per cent to 1.9 per cent."
He also outlined a plan to grow the state's population, which would involve a strategy to create jobs.
"Our state, our capital city are unparalleled in lifestyle and liveability but people aren't staying and people aren't coming because there are not enough jobs here," he said.
"It (the plan) needs to be targeted to business and investment migrants and those from the eastern states wanting to escape the congestion and high prices there".
Mr Marshall also mentioned growth as one of a number of issues critical to the property sector.
"To provide government services in terms of health, education and roads, you need to have a strong, growing economy - you need to provide something for the next generation," he said.
"The job stats were out yesterday. The reality is, over the life of this government, from 2002 right through to 2018, South Australia has had the lowest jobs (growth) rate in the nation."
Friday's debate came ahead of Saturday's official calling of the election campaign when the writs will be issued for the March 17 poll.
But it went ahead without Premier Jay Weatherill who dubbed it a contest of conservatives.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity for former Liberal Nick Xenophon and current Liberal Steven Marshall to slug it out with the big end of town as bid for votes from their natural constituency," Mr Weatherill said on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
