Estimates Vote

Department of Primary Industries and Regions, $107,229,000

Administered Items for the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, $3,311,000

Minister:

Hon. G.G. Brock, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government.

Departmental Advisers:

Mr S. Ashby, Chief Executive, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Mr T. Mader, Executive Director, Regions, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Mr B. Paolo, Director, Regions, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Mr S. Johinke, Director, Finance and Prudential Management, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Mr M. Williams, Manager, Budget Strategy Unit, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

The CHAIR: The estimates committee is a relatively informal procedure and as such there is no need to stand to ask or answer questions. The committee will determine an approximate time for consideration of proposed payments to facilitate a change of departmental advisers. I understand that the minister and the lead speaker for the opposition have agreed on a timetable for today's proceedings.

Changes to committee membership will be notified as they occur. Members should ensure that the Chair is provided with a completed request to be discharged form. If the minister undertakes to supply information at a later date, it must be submitted to the committee secretary by no later than Friday 26 September 2014 for inclusion in the Hansard supplement.

I propose to allow both the minister and the lead speaker for the opposition to make opening statements of about 10 minutes each if they wish. There will be a flexible approach to giving the call for asking questions, based on about three questions per member, alternating each side. Supplementary questions will be the exception rather than the rule.

A member who is not part of the committee may, at the discretion of the Chair, ask a question. Questions must be based on lines of expenditure in the budget papers and must be identifiable or referenced. Members unable to complete their questions during the proceedings may submit them as questions on notice for inclusion in the House of Assembly Notice Paper.

There is no formal facility for the tabling of documents before the committee; however, documents can be supplied to the Chair for distribution to the committee. The incorporation of material in Hansard is permitted on the same basis as applies in the house, that is, that it is purely statistical and limited to one page in length.

All questions are to be directed to the minister rather than his advisers. The minister may refer questions to advisers for a response. I also advise that for the purposes of the committees television coverage will be allowed for filming from both the northern and southern galleries. I declare the proposed payments open for examination and call on the minister to make his opening statement, if he wishes.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Thank you for the opportunity to make an opening statement. Our regions contribute to the economic strength and the social fabric of South Australia. They are an integral part of South Australia's identity. Regional South Australia contributes about $23 billion to the state's economy and produces about 45 per cent of the merchandise exports, and it does so with approximately 29 per cent of our state's population.

Our regions are dealing with various challenges; some of these challenges are region-specific and need local solutions, while others are common across all the regions. However, wherever I have been so far as Minister for Regional Development, I have been struck by the optimism and commitment of local communities and businesses working to find sustainable opportunities for their region to grow and prosper. Creating the conditions for regional businesses and communities to grow and to prosper is fundamentally important for all South Australians.

This government is working to transform our state's economy, and this budget is focused on jobs, that is, working to ensure that all South Australians are afforded the opportunity of meaningful employment wherever they live. The government is doing this through measures that support businesses and jobs, such as:

payroll tax concessions;

reforming WorkCover;

training and employment-related initiatives; and

providing help for businesses to win more government work through the Tender Ready initiative in collaboration with Business SA.

The success of regional industries, such as agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and minerals processing, manufacturing, tourism, energy production, aquaculture, and food and wine production, is vital to the wellbeing of South Australia's economy. The South Australian government recognises the need for regional communities to build on their economic foundations to generate social vitality and to preserve and restore their environmental assets.

Building stronger regions is an imperative acknowledged by the state government and is a key reason for my decision to support stable and effective government based on the delivery of a series of agreements between the Premier and myself which were reached in March 2014. The government has committed to two charters, one aimed at building a stronger regional South Australia and the other aimed at growing and supporting small business.

The government's regional development package has been developed in the context of the Charter for Stronger Regional Policy which sets out a number of opportunities for regional communities to interact with the government, such as:

the reintroduction of country cabinet meetings each year;

at least one parliamentary forum being held in regional areas each year;

at least one minister spending a day each week in regional areas;

holding at least three senior management council meetings in the regions each year;

development of an interactive portal connected to the sa.gov website to engage with regional communities; and

the development of a dedicated GovChat program to enable regional South Australians to discuss issues directly with the Premier, ministers and chief executives.

The new regional development package of initiatives is worth $39 million in the first year and $29 million per annum thereafter. The $39 million package includes:

$10 million as a one-off Job Accelerator Fund quarantined for regional development;

$15.5 million per annum drawn from existing resources; and

$13.4 million per annum increase to the Regional Development Fund.

The 2014-15 state budget highlights the government's commitment to regional communities through significant investment in key service areas, programs and infrastructure allocated to regional South Australia. These investments are outlined in the regional chapter of the state budget, which I negotiated to be included in the budget papers and which provides information about the new initiatives in the 2014-15 budget that provide opportunities for regional South Australia.

These targeted investments are expected to drive growth and generate flow-on benefits for regional communities and to provide a large range of improvements to regional infrastructure. The charter for stronger regional policy provides for a greater focus on regional South Australia in government decision-making.

While the issues and the opportunities affecting regional South Australia impact every government department, and the delivery of the government's commitments to the regions belongs to various agencies, these activities need to be coordinated to build an integrated and effective approach to regional engagement.

To this end, the Regional South Australian Cabinet Committee, specifically created to focus on the regions, was established and held its inaugural meeting on 26 May 2014. I chair the cabinet committee, with others being the Treasurer, the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.

A greater focus on regional South Australia in government decision-making is also enshrined in the regional impact assessment policy and guidelines, which ensure that regional impacts and issues are considered in government decision-making processes.

The regional impact assessment policy and guidelines are being formed at the moment and require government agencies to prepare a regional impact assessment statement for any significant change proposed in relation to services or infrastructure in regional areas.

The government's commitments to the regions include an annual boost of $13.4 million in new monies that I have secured to enhance the Regional Development Fund. This will provide for an annual expenditure program of $15 million per annum, and the processes for this have already commenced. The Regional Development Fund comprises the following five programs:

Regional Food Initiatives Program: $300,000 per annum over four years to support regionally-based food organisations to build a stronger regional food presence in South Australia.

Small Grants Program: $3 million per annum over four years to support new regional employment and investment opportunities linked with state government priorities.

Major Projects Program: $8.55 million per annum over four years to support major economic projects designed to strengthen regional industries, support local economies and opportunities through investment in strategic projects.

Community Infrastructure Program: $3 million per annum over four years to support investment in regional communities to develop their economic infrastructure and to grow their capabilities as a foundation for future jobs and economic growth.

Country Cabinet Program: $150,000 per annum to support communities that host country cabinet meetings over the next four years for project proposals that will assist the community to meet its economic and social needs.

Expressions of interest for the first three of these programs have now closed, as has the Riverland round of the Fund My Idea program. The Community Infrastructure Program is open until 1 August.

Regional investment in job creation initiatives is essential to building capacity in local industries and communities. The new $10 million Jobs Accelerator Fund, exclusively for regional development, will not only complement the package of initiatives that will drive regional economic development but also will aim to leverage state government programs delivered by other agency portfolios, such as training and employment programs and business assistance programs.

A strategic and coordinated approach will give regions the opportunity to build on their competitive advantages and to create an environment for jobs growth and improved social and economic infrastructure. This approach will be underpinned by partnerships between the government and the private sector in identifying and addressing barriers to creating jobs in our regions. As its name suggests, the Jobs Accelerator Fund will aim to stimulate or fast track investment that generates new employment and participation opportunities that are sustainable.

The most efficient and effective way to deliver on the government's current and future commitments is to have leadership that provides across-government support to rural and regional South Australia as well as providing a clear point of entry to government.

To that end, Regions SA has been established within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to provide a comprehensive focus on regions. It will provide a clear, strategic focus to state government regional development activity and will provide regions with a stronger voice in government. Regions SA will provide an integrated cross-sector, cross-government and regionally-focused approach to policies, strategies, and programs thereby ensuring government policy to promote improved economic and social outcomes for the regions is developed with input from regional stakeholders.

A recruitment process has been undertaken to provide the necessary capabilities in terms of the development and implementation of regional development strategies supporting increased economic activity in the regions and maximising the collective impact of government activity in the regions.

These new commitments to regional South Australia build on the work of previous years and provide an indication of what can be possible when we all work together. The Regional Statement for South Australia was launched in December 2013 based on four themes which regional communities identified through consultation as being of paramount importance. These include:

there being a commitment to the regions;

the need to work together;

the empowerment of regional communities; and

aligning regional priorities.

The statement reaffirms the state government's commitment to regional areas by highlighting the importance of regional communities to the continuing economic development of the state. Examples of successful collaboration undertaken previously include:

the Riverland Sustainable Fund—where $20 million was provided over four years to assist the Riverland region to diversify its economic base. Now closed, the fund supported 31 local projects which will lead to the creation of up to 235 jobs and more than $48.7 million in total project investment; and

the Enterprise Zone Fund—Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback. This $4 million fund over four years was available to boost economic and community development within the Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback. Now closed, the fund has supported 11 projects which will lead to the creation of 116 jobs and an investment of nearly $14 million.

In concluding these introductory remarks, I reiterate that the government understands that the prosperity and wellbeing of regional South Australians and their communities underpin the sustainability and wellbeing of the entire state.

The contribution of our regional industries is important to the state's economy and our prosperity and wellbeing, and the government's role in supporting regional industries and communities remains vital in building a better future for all South Australians. There are many opportunities to grasp and we know that the challenges are a constant. The government will continue to work closely with the commonwealth and local governments, industry, business and communities in striving to get the best possible outcomes for regional South Australia.

The CHAIR: Thank you. Member for Goyder.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Madam Chair, I note that the minister's opening statement took 13.5 minutes, or thereabouts.

The CHAIR: Never mind; let's get away, shall we? Do you have a statement or are you going to ask a question?

Mr GRIFFITHS: No, I just have a couple of things to say. There was a lot of great information provided in that statement, minister, and I took particular note of the fact that you quoted 29 per cent of the population being in regional South Australia. This is a statement, not a question to you, but I find it interesting that the Strategic Plan, according to my recollection, quotes a figure of 18 per cent as being the target for regional South Australia. So you might choose to clarify that at a later opportunity. I would love to see it at 29 per cent, I must say.

Indeed, the members on this side of the house absolutely support the statement that it is all about jobs, because it is. Job opportunities in regional South Australia link to every opportunity that a community needs and deserves. Certainly for us, it is part of our DNA—and for you, living in a regional area too. I might just ask one easy question; it relates to jobs and the reference is Budget Paper 3, page 127. Under table 8.2 there is some information about regional population and labour force data. Minister, are you able to confirm what the unemployment rate for the Yorke, Mid North and Barossa area is?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Could we have the line number again, please?

Mr GRIFFITHS: It is on Budget Paper 3, page 127, table 8.2. My request for data would be at the latest ABS figures, which I believe were in June.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: We will take that on notice, member, just to make sure we have the right information. We do not have that information here at the moment.

Mr GRIFFITHS: The information in the book certainly relates to (which disappoints me immensely) an average figure of 2013, and I think that is a discrepancy, that you as a minister would like to see some accurate information provided. As an extension of that, minister, do you seek that sort of briefing as part of your regular updates with your staff? Is this the sort of information you request?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: To answer your question, I do get regular information on all that and we just have to get the correct information. I did not bring that with me at this particular point. I just reinforce to the member that we will get that information and that I have the information, but before I make a comment here I do not want to put the wrong information across to you. I understand exactly where you are coming from, and I have seen it, but I just want to double-check my figures before I make it public.

Mr GRIFFITHS: The reason I ask for that collection area is that it is our own patch, and I thought that would have been information quite easily available from the variety of staff you have around you.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Can I just reinforce that I know the information, but before I make public comment here I just want to double-check my figures.

Mr GRIFFITHS: On the basis that you have been provided with that information, the figure, and I am quite happy to tell you my understanding of the latest ABS figure, is a 7.2 per cent unemployment rate for the region. That disappoints me immensely, and it is a significant jump from 12 months before that. In the policy development you do, on the basis of what the outcomes of the policy are for job creation opportunities, have you set yourself a target of what you want regional unemployment within individual collection areas or the whole state to be brought down to? Is that your challenge to yourself?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: To answer your question, my personal vision is to create as many jobs as we can with the opportunities out there, working with businesses and also working with other ministers to maintain the best opportunities out there, bearing in mind that it is not only the government who can create the unemployment move, it is everybody. The projects that have already gone out with the Regional Development Fund have only just gone out, so what we are doing is, when it goes out there, understanding how many jobs it should create, and I will be monitoring those jobs further on to see what the response is and the final outcome of those projects.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Just as an extension of that, I think the words you said there, minister, were ‘not the role of the government to create the unemployment move’.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Not only the government.

Mr GRIFFITHS: ‘Not only,' okay. The government obviously sets the key policy and, as a significant driver of policy for regional South Australia, as part of your negotiations with the Premier on the two charters you referred to in your opening statement, was that one of your discussion points—about what unemployment rates currently are, and what the targets were to provide not just the skills opportunity but the job outcomes, and what level of investment needs to occur in infrastructure, the creation programs, and augment assistance? Did you talk about the unemployment rates to the Premier?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I talked about unemployment in general, not unemployment rates. What I want to be able to do, as we all should be doing, is creating as many job opportunities out there as we can, with optimism, and also working in conjunction with the federal government to ensure that we have that optimism out there. I was not looking at 6 per cent, or 5 per cent, or 10 per cent unemployment; I want to get as many jobs and opportunities for our youth and our regions as we can.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I will jump to another area, then: Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35, specifically the Job Accelerator Fund, which you referred to in your opening statement, and the $10 million that is available in the 2014-15 financial year. Are you able to confirm, are the guidelines available yet for applications or expressions of interest to be lodged?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: First up, I think I need to explain what the Job Accelerator Fund is, and then I will carry on. The Job Accelerator Fund aims to stimulate or fast-track investment that generates new employment and participation opportunities that are sustainable. The fund is a one-off, as I said earlier, in 2014-15. Regions SA will be liaising with key agencies to maximise the important investment in regions and to support the delivery of the government’s Our Jobs Plan policy.

Regions SA will work in conjunction with the Economic Development Board on a package of initiatives for the fund. The package of initiatives may include a combination of grants, loans and other mechanisms and incentives for the private, local government and community sectors to partner with the government in fast-tracking job creation in the regions. Regional infrastructure investment in job creation initiatives is essential, as I said earlier, about building capacity and local industries and communities.

The $10 million Job Accelerator Fund is exclusively for regional development and will not only complement the package of initiatives that I have achieved through my agreement with the Premier to drive regional economic development but will aim to leverage state government programs delivered by other agency portfolios, such as training and employment programs and business assistance programs.

We need to have a strategic and coordinated approach which will give regions the opportunity to build on their competitive advantages and create an environment for jobs growth and improved social and economic infrastructure. This approach will be underpinned by partnerships between the government and the private sector to identify and address barriers to creating jobs in the regions.

The fund will be developed with the Economic Development Board. A subcommittee of the Economic Development Board is working on the $20 million Job Accelerator Fund, which was part of the state government’s Our Jobs Plan election commitment. This committee is led by Mr Rob Chapman. Regions SA has already held initial discussions with the office of the Economic Development Board with a view to progress with a subcommittee in early August; therefore, it is still going. We will work very closely with the RDAs to investigate regional opportunities, and we are meeting with the RDA CEOs tomorrow to progress ideas and seek their views on the future direction.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, I absolutely respect the words. What I am particularly interested in though is actions. It is over four months since the election, and it is over four months since you began talking about these additional dollars in the $10 million fund available for one year only.

In your response then you have talked about meetings and the formulation of plans. Mr Rob Chapman will probably be a little bit busy trying to sort out Adelaide Crows issues for a little while now. But, minister, you have not told me your own target date for the eventual release of these guidelines; that is the key date I am interested in.

Minister, when I quote to you a 7.2 per cent unemployment rate in our own patch, it is obvious to me that $10 million is desperately required. You have got it; okay. You have got it through your negotiations, but when is it actually going to be available for use?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Thank you, member. First up, just to go back, I have been across all the regions, and we have been listening and bringing those issues and challenges back to the cabinet and to this Regions SA cabinet committee we have got. We have not got all the staff for Regions SA at this particular point. We are still sourcing some other people.

We want to be working very closely with the RDAs. You are very aware that we had a bit of a misunderstanding with the RDAs coming up to where we are today. We have had meetings with the CEs, looking at ways to collaboratively work with the RDAs in particular. We need to have good collaboration working not only with the government but I think with all members of this parliament here.

The other thing is it is easy to just push this stuff out there, but this $10 million accelerator fund has got to go through the Economic Development Board. At the moment, we are putting the proposals up to the Economic Development Board with some suggestions. We will make certain that what we do through the subcommittee of the Economic Development Board is get our views and suggestions up there and then our opportunities.

I have just been advised that the Economic Development Board subcommittee meets on 5 August, and we will be presenting all our proposals to that subcommittee on that particular day. I want to be able to make certain that we get the best opportunities out there by working with the RDAs. Each region is separate. Each region has various challenges and opportunities, so we have been taking that on board as we go along.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Okay. Madam Chair, I know there are questions from the other side but, on this, minister, you are the person in the unique position to actually say, 'Stop the crap. I just want to see action on this.' The fifth of August is an interesting date, a week and a bit in the future, but is it your intention to either attend yourself or tell those who attend there that, 'One week after 5 August is when I want the blooming guidelines released'?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I have not checked my diary on that particular day. I do not have my diary here with me—but it fills up fairly quickly. I am making every attempt to attend that subcommittee meeting. If somebody can just perhaps check my diary, I can give you an answer.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I understand that, minister, but you have the departmental chief next to you who reminds you of the date of the meeting. Does the departmental chief then know if you are scheduled to attend the meeting?

The CHAIR: You can come back to that.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: No, I can give you the answer to that. That is a parliamentary sitting day. It depends. If I can get a pair here, I will be making every attempt to attend that meeting.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Yes, it is a Tuesday.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: It is a Tuesday, yes it is.

Mr HUGHES: I refer the committee to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, pages 35 to 37. The Regional Development program sets out PIRSA's regional programs. Where can I find information about other regional expenditure?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: In order to provide greater transparency around the state government's expenditure in regional South Australia, the government has instigated the publication of material in its budget papers that sets out the funding provided to regional communities. The Regional Budget Chapter, which I negotiated to be included in the budget papers, identifies funding which is provided to regional South Australia from across various government agencies.

These investments are outlined in Budget Paper 3, Chapter 8: Regional South Australia, which provides information about the initiatives in the 2014-15 budget which provide opportunities for regional South Australia.

In this way, the 2014-15 state budget highlights the government's commitment to regional communities through significant investment in key service areas, programs and infrastructure allocated to regional South Australia. The chapter also includes information on the Charter for Stronger Regional Policy and the $39 million packages of initiatives that I negotiated, the Regional South Australia Cabinet Committee, and a regional economic profile.

To remind members, the government's regional development package of new and existing funding is highlighted by the Charter for Stronger Regional Policy which sets out a number of opportunities for regional communities to interact with the government as follows:

the reintroduction of three country cabinet meetings each year;

at least one state parliamentary forum in a regional area per year;

the requirement that at least one minister spend a day each week in a regional area;

holding at least three Senior Management Council meetings in regions each year;

the development of an interactive portal connected to the SAGov website to engage with regional communities; and

a dedicated GovChat program that enables regional South Australians to discuss issues directly with the Premier, ministers and chief executives.

The regional development package of initiatives is worth $39 million in the first year and $29 million per annum thereafter. The $39 million includes $15.5 million per annum drawn from existing resources; $10 million as a one-off Jobs Accelerator Fund quarantined to regional development; and a $13.4 million per annum increase to the Regional Development Fund.

These targeted investments are expected to drive growth and generate flow-on benefits for regional communities and to provide a large range of improvements to regional infrastructure. This is the first iteration of the Regional Budget Chapter. I anticipate future budgets will be able to expand on that and refine the information provided in the regional chapter for the amount of money spent in the regions. Madam Chair, if I may, we have an answer for the unemployment figures.

Mr GRIFFITHS: And it is?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Before I do that, Steve, which month did you ask for?

Mr GRIFFITHS: I asked for June, minister.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: June. Steve, can you ask that question about the job figures again so that I have it correct?

Mr GRIFFITHS: I am particularly interested in ABS data figures for the June 2014 month for the Barossa, Yorke, Mid North collection area for unemployment rates.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Seven per cent for regional South Australia.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Seven per cent?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Seven per cent for regional South Australia; 7.1 per cent for Barossa, Yorke and Mid North. That source is the ABS Labour Force Survey. Just getting back to the Job Accelerator Fund and the EDB on 5 August, as I said, it is on a parliamentary sitting day. Would the opposition be receptive to giving me a pair in order to attend that? Take it on notice.

Members interjecting:

The CHAIR: We are moving on.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I have been posed a question by the minister.

The CHAIR: The member for Reynell has a question.

Members interjecting:

The CHAIR: We are moving on. We are into questions. That is for later. We only have a small amount of time.

Ms HILDYARD: I refer the committee to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35. What has been the response to the new Regional Development Fund program?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: As members would be aware, the government has increased the Regional Development Fund by an additional $13.4 million to a fund now totalling $15 million per annum from 2014-15. Wherever I have travelled in the state I have promoted the fund and encouraged interested people, in conjunction with Regional Development Australia organisations where relevant, to consider applying for these funds.

To recap briefly, the Regional Development Fund comprises five programs: the Regional Food Initiatives Program, which is $300,000 per annum over four years to support regionally-based food organisations; the Small Grants Program, which is $3 million per annum over four years to support new regional employment and investment opportunities; the Major Projects Program, which is $8.55 million per annum over four years to support major economic projects designed to strengthen regional industries, support local economies and opportunities—

Mr GRIFFITHS: Point of order.

The CHAIR: Order! We have a point of order.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I believe the minister provided this information as part of his introductory comments, Madam Chair.

The CHAIR: I am listening. We need to move along.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: There is a little bit more than I can elaborate on, if I may; I will just skip that part. Regions SA has been inundated with responses, which is very encouraging. It is a clear indication that organisations in our regions are ready to invest. The Regional Food Initiatives Program has received more than 30 expressions of interest, the Small Grants Program received more than 100 expressions of interest, and the Major Projects Program closed on 18 July with 40 expressions of interest.

Short-listing of these programs is being undertaken at the moment, and the short-listed applicants will be invited to submit a full application by the end of August 2014. Successful applicants can be expected to be notified by the end of November 2014. The short-listing of expressions of interest for the Major Projects Program is expected in about mid-August 2014, with short-listed applicants invited to submit a formal application by early September 2014. Expressions of interest for the Community Infrastructure Program do not close until Friday 1 August.

In addition, I understand that 76 submissions have been received for Fund My Idea Riverland, which was released during the country cabinet meeting held in the Riverland on 23June. Submissions were made online via the YourSAy website, and suitable submissions will be published online for public voting between 26 July and 9 August. The top three publicly voted ideas will then be assessed for funding.

We are already seeing an extremely positive response from regions. I look forward to seeing the best and the most innovative of these projects being further developed so that we can start to see the $15 million flowing to our regions.

Ms WORTLEY: Minister, in your opening statement, and in response to the last question, you referred to Regions SA. Can you please provide us with some detail as to what will be the role of the new Regions SA? I refer to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: The formation of a stable government in South Australia was based on the delivery of a series of agreements between myself and the Premier. These agreements detail a number of actions the state government has committed to for regional South Australia and include additional support to be provided to communities, projects and programs. One of these commitments was the creation of Regions South Australia (Regions SA) to support my office in the exercise of my portfolio responsibilities from 1 July 2014.

Regions SA has been established as a division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA. The establishment of Regions SA provides a clear strategic focus to state government regional development activity and will provide regions with a strong voice in government and enable Regions SA staff to deliver on a regionally-focused suite of activities and outcomes.

Importantly, Regions SA has a coordinating role in terms of the development and implementation of regional development strategies, supporting increased economic activity in the regions and maximising the collective impact of government activity in the regions. Establishing Regions SA involves transferring relevant state government functions, resources and staff to PIRSA and will have an establishment of 30 staff, including:

11 existing PIRSA staff;

the transfer of two staff from Skills for Jobs in Regions within the Department of State Development, formerly department of further education, employment, science and technology (DFEEST);

the transfer of three vacant funded positions each from of the Department of State Development; the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure; and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; and

the remaining eight staff will be funded through an efficiency dividend across government.

This will provide Regions SA with significant capabilities in terms of the development and implementation of regional development strategies, supporting increased economic activity in the regions and maximising the collective impact of government activity in the regions. Specific functions of Regions SA will include:

providing strategic direction to the state government's regional development activities—for example, through region-specific development strategies; as I said earlier, each region has different categories and priorities—and working to ensure delivery on agreed strategic objectives across government;

administering grants programs to support regional development, including the Regional Development Fund and dedicated additional funding for the new Job Accelerator Fund program;

providing project management capacity to develop and implement regional projects outside the responsibilities of other departments, including through the secondment of staff to support specific projects from time to time;

providing a point of reference for the coordination of line agency services to the regions;

promoting better community engagement by state government agencies in the regions, including through the Regional Communities Consultative Council and through supporting the regional engagement commitments in the charter for regional development;

responsibility for relations with the commonwealth on regional development matters and with Regional Development Australia (RDA), including coordination of state government activities with the RDAs;

developing and administering specific regional development initiatives; and

supporting me in my role as Chair of the Regional South Australia Cabinet Committee, which is driving implementation of government commitments to regional development.

Regions SA will also be supplemented through targeted, strategic secondment of necessary expertise to focus on specific projects. An internal government recruitment process has been underway seeking candidates to be part of Regions SA. At present, four staff are located in regional SA: one each in Port Lincoln, Loxton, Clare and Mount Gambier. PIRSA already has well-established and positive relationships right throughout the state, with 223 regional staff deployed across 27 regional sites.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I have a supplementary first before I get to my questions, given that I need every advantage I can get. Minister, I think the last part of your answer referred to four staff who are located in the regions of the 30 that currently exist. I note that FTEs for regional development are predicted in 2014-15 to be 48.6 so, obviously, you are still recruiting 18.6 full-time equivalent people. Can you confirm that for the 26 difference that currently exists, are they all based in Port Adelaide?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: No-one is based in Port Adelaide from Regions SA.

Mr GRIFFITHS: There is no intention for any staff to be based in Port Adelaide for Regions SA?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Not from Regions SA, no.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, I will get on to one of my prime questions, which is about funding, particularly on a core basis, for the RDA networks. Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35, with reference to dollars that have been provided. With the two commitments now financially, one pre-existing and one new one that makes it $3 million per year, are you able to provide an absolute guarantee that the core funding is available for staff who operate within the RDA network, to ensure that it is not actually project-based or a percentage of projects that they might attract but that it is, indeed, core funding to ensure the longevity of those organisations?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Can I say first that, after meetings with both CEs and chairs, we are not using the terminology 'core funding'—that has been agreed. I will explain: in addition to the $39 million regional funding package for 2014-15 which I secured for regional South Australia, regional communities will also directly benefit from the $1.6 million in new money provided to them through their RDAs. This commitment increases funding available to communities across regional South Australia from $1.4 million to $3 million per annum.

This funding is to support the government's efforts to grow stronger, sustainable and competitive regions. In addition, RDAs will also be able to access grants from the enhanced $15 million Regional Development Fund. This funding is for regional communities and will be focused on supporting the government's efforts in delivering new jobs, new investment, improving infrastructure and growing regional communities. This approach will be informed by RDAs undertaking broad community engagement, underpinned by accountable and transparent use of funds, and measured by qualifiable outcomes and benefits to regional South Australia.

I announced these new merit-based funding agreements in my news release on 15 April 2014, meaning that RDAs will have the opportunity to submit applications for projects or programs. I expect RDAs to put forward the most critical projects for their region which will provide the best outcomes for job creation and investment or to address a vital regional economic development need. These new funds will be available through a merit-based proposal process that reflects the priority identified by their communities.

The $3 million annual funding from 2014-15 is exclusive to the seven RDAs and is exclusive of GST which means that the RDAs will also be paid the GST amount. The $3 million per annum is over and above funding which other state government agencies, local councils and the federal government provide to RDAs. The 2013-14 outcome-based funding arrangements have provided the RDAs with $2.725 million allocated for programs that cover 2013-14 and 2014-15.

I want the best outcomes, as I am sure does everybody, for regional communities from this funding in support of the government's efforts to facilitate economic growth, improve infrastructure and job creation in the regions. The new $1.6 million will be available from 1 July. I discussed my expectations with the RDA chairs at a meeting on 10 June 2014, and I look forward to innovative, strategic and outcome-focused proposals from regional communities through their RDAs.

Draft guidelines were provided to RDA chairs for comment. The RDAs have since provided feedback on the draft guidelines and, on 17 July 2014, Regions SA met with the RDA's Chief Executive, Mr Rob Kerin, in his capacity as Chair of the RDA membership group, to discuss their comments for my consideration prior to releasing the guidelines.

RDA chairs have also agreed to develop by the end of December 2014 a new framework for collaboration between RDAs and Regions SA. I have been further advised that we have the agreed criteria here, which has been agreed to by RDAs, the CEOs and also the chairs. If you want me to go through that, I can do that now.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I am happy if you table that, thank you, minister. Minister, can I take from your rather detailed response that, if I were to telephone each of the seven CEOs, they are going to tell me over the phone that everything is all tickety-boo—that they are happy with where their dollars come from and how they have to be expended, continuity of staff, and the ability to ensure that the networks they have developed are retained because of staff retention and that everything is okay? That is what I have tried to take from your responses. Do you think I would get the same answer?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I am not going to guarantee what response you might get, but this is the agreed criteria that has been agreed with the CEOs and with Rob Kerin, who is the Chair of Regional Development Australia SA. They have agreed to these criteria. I can say only that this is the criteria agreed to by the chairs and also the CEOs the other day. I think that there is another meeting tomorrow with my department, and I am also meeting the CEOs tomorrow afternoon when I get a break within the parliament.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, I am not sure whether we work and operate in different worlds, then, because the universe I am currently operating in tells me a slightly different story to that, and it is after 17 July, indeed, where there was a direct contact from a person, who is informed, who still held the concerns—but I think we will move forward on that, though.

The CHAIR: Just before you do, it is not possible to table that information. Are you happy to have the information you have distributed to the committee? We do not table, but we can distribute it. If you can hand that to the usher, he will look after that. You want to answer something, minister, before the member for Goyder goes on.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Can I say that we have some notes on this. Can we get a copy—

The CHAIR: You can distribute it later then.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: We have information and documentation from all of the CEO that, as from Monday this week, they have all agreed with the draft guidelines, which will be implemented by the end of this week.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, this is a bit of a cheeky question, I readily admit that. In Budget Paper 1, Budget Overview, page 10, you have referred to the seven RDAs. But I note that, in a nice little graphic the Treasurer's office produced, it talks about regional development—$3 million for the eight regional development Australia boards across South Australia. I understand that there are eight, but the Adelaide metro one is entirely funded by the feds. Why is the state suddenly taking the kudos for a group they do not supply dollars to?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I do not produce this document, so I cannot make a comment on it, although McLaren Vale—which is within the Adelaide RDA—does qualify for some of our grants.

Mr GRIFFITHS: A connection, okay, I will accept that then, minister—sort of. Still on RDA funding, my understanding is that the Local Government Association hand-delivered to you on 16 July, I think, a letter about core funding. That is a term that I have used for a long time and it is a term that the Liberal Party used as part of its election policy: of $3 million in core funding to ensure the consistency and retention of staff and outcomes for the community. Are you acknowledging that you had this letter from the Local Government Association and, therefore, are you acknowledging that the agreement that is now in place post 17 July meets all local government concerns as one of the major funding partners of regional development?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I have seen the letter; the president of the LGA handed it to me, then it goes through the process. My negotiations for funding for RDAs is with the RDAs, not with the Local Government Association, at this stage. Also, the fact is that this letter is going through the system, getting a briefing for me through the system.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, just on that, you are in a rather unique position as being minister responsible for both local government and RDAs. Given that local government is one of the significant funding partners, I would have thought that, given the uniqueness of your position, you would have ensured that the dialogue occurs, that there is an understanding of the concerns being raised, and that there are some really quick, positive outcomes for it.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Can I also mention that the composition of the RDA boards also includes local government representatives in each one of the seven.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I understand that.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: This request here is for the Local Government Association.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Yes, who are recognised—

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: There are local government representatives on those boards, and I will clarify this tomorrow with the CEOs. I think the boards have agreed with the CEOs and the chairs about the draft criteria.

Mr PENGILLY: Is that right? Is that definite?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: As I said, I am going to check that with the CEOs tomorrow.

Mr PENGILLY: There are negative-looking vibes coming from your sidekicks.

The CHAIR: Order!

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, the RDA boards do have local government representation, I acknowledge that, but it is certainly not reflective of the 49 councils—

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: It is 47.

Mr GRIFFITHS: —that exist in regional areas. The LGA, the peak body, does have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of all regional councils and not just expect the one or two local government-based members on each RDA board to actually undertake that role.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: In answer to the member for Goyder, I have been advised, and I would hope, that the agreed criteria with the RDA CEOs and the Chairs will address some of the concerns the LGA was putting up. We have encouraged them not to use 'core funding'—that is, the words 'core funding'—because core funding does not mean that you will get outcomes from that. Certainly, some of the agreed criteria will address some of the issues that you may be alluding to, member for Goyder.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, I thank you for the answer, but I allude to these issues because of my concern about continuity of staff, and it all comes to that. Here we are, 23 days into July, with a funding agreement that started 23 days ago and uncertainty has existed in these staff for several months now.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I will just read some of the agreed criteria in part:

reasonable allocation towards the remuneration of the RDA chief executive officer and staff who are essential to delivering the program or projects—

That is what is agreed in there, as well as:

reasonable office accommodation costs directly related to the delivery of the proposal;

reasonable office equipment costs directly related to the delivery of the proposal;

reasonable travel and accommodation costs directly related to the delivery of the proposal;

reasonable car leasing costs directly related to the delivery of the proposal;

reasonable phone and data costs directly related to the delivery of the proposal;

reasonable allocation of outlays towards activities or collaborative projects or business case studies; and

additional administrative costs and program/project management fees of not greater than 5 per cent of the grant funding amount.

We will hand this in, but this is the agreed facility; I have heard nothing to the contrary, but I will be just double-checking tomorrow at the meeting.

The CHAIR: We need to go to the other side now. Member for Giles.

Mr HUGHES: I refer the committee to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 37. What has been the support provided to the Upper Spencer Gulf and outback communities in the past year?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: The Enterprise Zone Fund—Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback provided financial support to priority projects to boost economic and community development within the Upper Spencer Gulf and the outback. The $4 million grant fund was available over four years and accessed by organisations for projects leveraging opportunities stemming from the growing mining, energy and allied services industry that would make a major impact in the Upper Spencer Gulf and the outback by changing competitive advantages in its favour.

For the 2013-14 year, $849,101 was awarded to four projects through the Enterprise Zone Fund—Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback, which will generate a total investment of $4 million. Now closed, overall the fund has supported 11 projects, awarded a total of $4 million, leading to the creation of up to 116 new jobs and a total investment of nearly $14 million. The Upper Spencer Gulf and outback regions are well placed to capture business from the expansion of the resources, energy and allied services industries. The fund aimed to capture the benefits of growing industries to further strengthen these communities, including:

capitalising on opportunities that are focused on, but not limited to, the expansion of the resource and energy sectors; and

providing access to organisations in the Upper Spencer Gulf and outback for projects that make a major impact in the region by changing competitive advantages in its favour.

The fund was accessible to local government, businesses and industry associations in the region. Applications were assessed on a number of criteria, including whether the project:

created sustainable economic benefits that are broadly distributed across communities or industries beyond the organisation receiving the grant;

was strategically important to the state, the region or a major industry;

was viable and sustainable in the medium to longer term;

leveraged alternative sources of funding, such as private investment or other spheres of government; and

diversified the economy of the Upper Spencer Gulf and outback regions.

Funded projects included:

$80,229 towards the re-establishment of a refuelling facility by Starke Aviation at Leigh Creek Airport;

$60,000 to support a mentor based in the Port Augusta region for Indigenous mining employees;

$112,906 towards the provision of broadband services to towns in the Port Pirie regional area by Aussie Broadband;

$302,500 to Kelly Engineering for building infrastructure to support the expansion of facilities and workforce at Booleroo Centre in the northern agricultural region of our state;

$2 million to E&A Contractors towards costs associated with the purchase and installation of wind tower fabrication equipment and upgrades to its existing buildings and fabrication facilities;

$428,750 to the City of Port Augusta towards upgrading the Port Augusta Airport terminal facility, car parking and airstrip apron;

$172,649 to Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd towards the purchase of equipment to undertake tension stringing of conductors (the wire) under tension for high-voltage power lines;

$600,000 to the City of Whyalla towards upgrading the Whyalla Airport terminal, car parking area, pedestrian refuges and walkways, lighting, storm water and landscaping;

$41,960 to Port Pirie Aviation Fuel towards the installation of a jet refuelling facility at Port Pirie Aerodrome key card operation;

$75,000 to Civil Train to deliver construction training to a group of 12 women from the north and far north region; and

$132,141 to Alinta Energy to undertake a feasibility and technological analysis to assess the viability of solar thermal generation to Port Augusta.

Whilst I am on that, I had the opportunity to have a look at the Civil Train facility at Port Augusta. For people who have had not had a look at that, I would encourage them to do so. I am not saying that people have not done that, but I would encourage them to go and have a look at that. It is a state-of-the-art operation to provide training, and it is a mobile facility; the training facility can go anywhere in the state. That $75,000 was well spent, and it is going to create training for employment opportunities across the whole of the region.

Also, that $41,960 to Port Pirie Aviation Fuel has increased the opportunity for the Flying Doctors, Medevac and others to be able to refuel there with Jet A-1 fuel, and it has increased the amount of tourists and recreational planes going through the Port Pirie Airport by three or fourfold, so it is great. Funding to the City of Port Augusta for upgrading the Port Augusta Airport terminal is also going to increase the opportunity for people to fly in and fly out of Port Augusta.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, in your opening statement you referred to regional impact assessment statements and the reform of that, which is part of the cabinet consideration process of anything that impacts in regional communities. I am rather intrigued, after a government of the Labor style for 12 years, in which there has been a regional development minister for all that time, that it is necessary to reform it; I would have thought it would have been a continually improving project all the way through.

I am even more frustrated by the fact that, as is my understanding, since 2010 I think there have only been five regional impact assessment statements undertaken and reviewed as part of cabinet decisions on that. Can you give me an expectation from you, I suppose, on what this reform package will do to ensure that the needs of regional communities and their issues are considered as part of cabinet decisions?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I will just elaborate on one of the reasons that I took this position. The Regional Impact Assessment policy and guidelines were launched in July 2003 as part of a broader commitment that regional impacts and issues are considered in government decision-making. This policy requires that when a significant change in services is proposed, the proponent must give detailed consideration to regional impacts before implementation. Agency chief executives are responsible for ensuring there is a process in place to identify when a significant change is proposed that will trigger the preparation of an RIAS.

This policy is in addition to the requirement of cabinet submissions to consider and include comment on regional impacts in the preparation of cabinet submissions. An RIAS can be initiated in a number of ways, including a departmental officer advising a chief executive that a proposal will have a significant impact and, therefore, an RIAS is necessary, a chief executive of a department requests an RIAS be prepared, or a minister requests that one of these impact statements be prepared.

In addition, Regions SA may advise an agency that an RIAS should be prepared. In such circumstances, Regions SA will advise me that it has recommended to an agency the preparation of a regional impact assessment statement, and I will write to the relevant minister to inform them of that recommendation.

On 19 May 2014, cabinet endorsed a cabinet note requesting that South Australian government departments, agencies and statutory authorities be reminded of the continuing requirement and importance of preparing regional impact assessment statements. This note was subsequently presented to the Regional South Australia Cabinet Committee, and work has commenced to reinforce the requirement of these regional impact assessment statements across government.

Regions SA is currently updating the regional impact assessment statement policy and guidelines, which will result in a renewed emphasis on promotion and training within the government. Once prepared, these statements are publicly available on PIRSA's website, along with guidelines for South Australian government agencies on how to prepare a regional impact assessment statement.

There have been a total of 21 statements, and these are publicly available online. No regional impact assessment statements were prepared by agencies during the 2014 financial year. The 21 regional impact assessment statements that have been published on the PIRSA website are the Strzelecki Track upgrade in 2010—

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, do not read them all out. I have read that myself.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: You have got the 2014—

Mr GRIFFITHS: There were none in 2014.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: No.

Mr GRIFFITHS: That is what I took as your second to last sentence.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Yes, no regional impact assessment statements were prepared by agencies during the 2013-14 financial year, before my time.

Mr GRIFFITHS: So, am I meant to assume from that that there was no decision made by government in that time that impacted on regional communities?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Member for Goyder, any cabinet submission going forward to the cabinet would have to have a regional impact assessment statement, if it is of significant impact. I do not know what happened in 2013. I have not got a facility to look at the cabinet submissions, and I would not divulge that anyway.

Secondly and lastly, from 2014 onwards, I will be making certain that every significant impact going to cabinet will have a regional impact assessment statement with that. It is very clear that, if it has a significant regional impact, we need to progress that through the system and have that assessment statement there.

Mr PEDERICK: Minister, I refer to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35, Program 3: Regional Development, description/objective paragraph one. This objective states that it is the responsibility of the program to:

Facilitate economic activity, job creation, infrastructure investment, regional capacity building and identify, promote and support economic development initiatives throughout regional South Australia.

In light of this, will the government match the Liberal Party's pre-election commitment of a $5 million grant and a $10 million loan to the Murray Bridge Racing Club to allow them to kickstart the development of the Gifford Hill racing precinct which is estimated to create 1,000 jobs? If the government will not commit to this, why didn't the minister as the member for Frome ask the Premier to match the Liberals' $139 million commitment to the regions when the Premier was seeking to form government?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I am advised that the Gifford Hill project can apply for grants through Major Projects if they meet the criteria and they are eligible. I am also aware that the federal government instigated or provided $5 million towards this project.

Mr PEDERICK: Yes, diversification funding. It was the first out of $100 million across four states. The rest of the question—why didn't you ask for the extra $100 million when the Premier was seeking to form government?

The CHAIR: I am not sure that is part of the budget papers, so if you have another question.

Mr PEDERICK: But it has a fair impact on the regions, I can tell you.

The CHAIR: Member for Hammond, I will give you the call if you have another question.

Mr PEDERICK: Okay, seeing that one is too hard, obviously—

The CHAIR: It is not too hard, it is not in order.

Mr PEDERICK: Well, I reckon it is because no-one wants to go near it.

The CHAIR: Member for Hammond, I will have to give the call to the other side.

Mr PEDERICK: Okay, I have one more question.

The CHAIR: One more question.

Mr PEDERICK: I refer to the same budget line. When is the minister going to accept my invitation to come to Murray Bridge and have a good look at this project? I am free next week.

The CHAIR: That is not really referring to a budget line.

Mr PEDERICK: It is definitely in relation to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 35.

The CHAIR: Your visit is not in the budget papers.

Mr PEDERICK: Regional Development, Description/objective, paragraph 1.

The CHAIR: The minister can answer, if he wishes, otherwise we will move on to another question.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: To answer the member for Hammond's question, I have invitations from everywhere, from all across the state. I am going from one side of the state, including Kangaroo Island, as you are aware. I am also balancing that out with my own electorate, and I am getting out to each of the regions as quickly as I can, and yours in on the calendar. Certainly, member for Hammond, it is on there and I will get there as soon as I can. I am just trying to get around to the whole of the state.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Minister, we will finish off with some easier ones. I refer to Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 13. It is just a notation that within the ministerial office resources there are nine full-time equivalents. I respect the status of an Independent member elected to parliament and an Independent minister. Of the people who work within your ministerial staff, those nine people, how many have actually worked for ministers or other members of parliament in the past?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Member for Goyder, are you asking for the administrative staff or for advisers?

Mr GRIFFITHS: No, minister, I have referred to the nine staff who are identified on page 13 as being ministerial office resources.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Can I just make a comment to the member for Hammond. When I appoint ministerial staff, I have a say in who I may or may not get. The thing is that people who are working for me are loyal to me, and I make that very clear. I do not know offhand if those nine people have worked for a minister or what they may have done, but I find it irrelevant. As I said a minute ago, these people are working for me as Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Local Government, and they are loyal and take their instructions from me.

Mr GRIFFITHS: I pick up on the term 'loyal'. Loyalty is a two-way street, as I understand it. In terms of the people who have been appointed by you to work for you since becoming a minister, are they all currently in their jobs or have any left and, if they have left, have termination payments been negotiated?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: When we first came into this position, staff who were employed were given the opportunity on a three-month trial basis. I still retain them, except for one person who did not go past three months. I still have the same people working there who have been there from the start, to my recollection.

The CHAIR: Do you have omnibus questions, member for Goyder?

Mr GRIFFITHS: I do, Chair.

The CHAIR: Would you like to do those now?

Mr GRIFFITHS: I thank the minister for his response, but was the decision made for the one person who is no longer working for you to leave your decision, or was it made in negotiation with others?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I question the relevance of that to a budget line. Secondly, employment opportunities are in consultation with me. I am not going to make any public comment about why a person may not have been suitable.

Mr GRIFFITHS: The omnibus questions will cover both areas of regional development and local government. They are:

1. Will the minister provide a detailed breakdown of expenditure on consultants and contractors above $10,000 in 2013-14 for all departments and agencies reporting to the minister, listing the name of the consultant, contractor or service supplier, cost, work undertaken and method of appointment?

2. For each department or agency reporting to the minister in 2013-14, or your predecessor, please provide the number of public servants broken down into heads and FTEs that are (1) tenured and (2) on contract and, for each category, provide a breakdown of the number of (1) executives and (2) non-executives.

3. In the financial year 2013-14, for all departments and agencies reporting to the minister, what underspending on projects and programs (1) was and (2) was not approved by cabinet for carryover expenditure in 2014-15?

4. Between 30 June 2013 and 30 June 2014, will the minister list the job title and total employment cost of each position with a total estimated cost of $100,000 or more—(a) which has been abolished and (b) which has been created?

5. For each year of the forward estimates, provide the name and budget of all grant programs administered by all departments and agencies reporting to the minister and, for 2013-14, provide a breakdown of expenditure on all grants administered by all departments and agencies reporting to the minister listing the name of the grant recipient, the amount of the grant and the purpose of the grant and whether the grant was subject to a grant agreement as required by Treasurer's Instruction No. 15.

6. For each department or agency reporting to the minister, what is the budget for targeted voluntary separation packages for the financial years 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18?

7. What is the title and total employment cost of each individual staff member in the minister's office as at 30 June 2014, including all departmental employees seconded to ministerial offices and ministerial liaison officers?

The CHAIR: There being no further questions, I declare the examination of the proposed payments completed and thank the minister and his advisers for their attendance.