E-BUSINESS TRAINING

In reply to Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (1 July 2013).

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy): I can advise that the e-Biz SA program helps small and medium size businesses in using digital technology to assist with their operations.

This program supports bodies such as local government and regional development authorities to tailor programs to suit individual businesses by using digital technology.

Funding for these programs in 2011-12 and 2012-13 has not been reduced, and the benefits are extended because each program involves a coinvestment by metropolitan and regional stakeholders.

The effectiveness of this program is not based on participant numbers alone as some involve intensive activity, while others are of a more generic nature providing basic skills for a small business owner for instance.