SA leaders clash on the state economy SOUTH Australia's political leaders have drawn a line in the sand, offering voters a clear choice on the economy one year out from the next state election. Premier Jay Weatherill has championed the government's role in building economic prosperity, standing firmly behind Labor's massive infrastructure spending despite the impact on the budget. Opposition Leader Steven Marshall has staked his claim to be the state's next premier on returning the budget to surplus as soon as possible. He has also pledged a future Liberal government to grow the economy, not through government spending, but by backing the private sector to create jobs and wealth. In a major economic statement on Friday, Mr Weatherill outlined four areas the government would focus on - advanced manufacturing, developing a vibrant Adelaide, the state's premium food industry and the mining services sector. "We have a strong, diverse and resilient economy, but South Australians know that we have always had to be more focussed and more careful than other states to stay ahead of the game," he said. The premier backed up his comments in a public debate with Mr Marshall where he said South Australia was at its best when it worked in partnership with the business sector. "Strong government, strong business with the backing of a strong community," he said. That is the way of the future for us. So I believe in a role for government in investing in critical industries. Countering the premier's arguments, Mr Marshall described the Labor government as hopeless and tired and said the Liberals would cut government waste and unnecessary spending. "We are the laughing stock of economic jokes around Australia," he said. I don't want that to be the South Australia of the future. We want to return the state budget to surplus as quickly as possible. We want to restore confidence in our business community and we want our private sector to lead our recovery.