PREMIER'S SCIENCE AND RESEARCH COUNCIL

In reply to Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (13 October 2010).

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Veterans' Affairs): The Premier's Science and Research Council generally meets quarterly. In 2009, three Council meetings were held—in August, September and December 2009. The meeting scheduled for March 2010 was cancelled due to the State Government election held that month. Since the election, there have been two meetings of the Council. I attended the meeting of 23 September, 2010.

The Premier and the former Minister for Science and Information Economy were apologies for the three meetings held in 2009; however, the Chief Scientist (who chairs the Council) briefs the Premier and the Minister on matters discussed and advice provided by the Council. In addition, a policy adviser from the Premier's Office attends Council meetings and maintains close liaison with the Chief Scientist.

In relation to the question concerning the cost of maintaining support to the Council, total expenditure incurred in 2009-10 to support the Council and the Chief Scientist was $293,887 which includes the following components:

Note that the role of Secretariat staff extends beyond support to the Council and the Chief Scientist; they also contribute to the broader activities of the Science and Information Economy Directorate of DFEEST.