TOUR DOWN UNDER

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (15:00): Can the Minister for Tourism advise the house if the reduction in 'other income' in the Auditor-General's Report on the South Australian Tourism Commission of $1.2 million is the amount of sponsorship withdrawn by the Orlando wine company as the former principal sponsor of the once-titled Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under? The sudden and major withdrawal of the Orlando company sponsorship left the South Australian taxpayer to pick up the can for much of the cost. Information made available to the opposition is that the Orlando company refused to be bullied by the Rann government into doubling its sponsorship and, accordingly, withdrew this major cash injection from the race.

The Hon. J.D. LOMAX-SMITH (Adelaide—Minister for Education and Children's Services, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (15:01): I thank the member for his question, but point out that his attack on one of the best businesses in South Australia and one of the most loyal sponsors in the private sector does him no credit. Over many years we have had a long relationship with Jacob's Creek. It is one of those businesses, through Pernod Ricard, that is an all-out star, not just in this state but nationally and internationally. It has brought extraordinary commitment to the tourism sector by supporting not just major events, and a whole range of them, but also investing in the cellar door/restaurant outlet at their own winery. Its investment has been very significant, because it has supported the industry both within the Barossa and Adelaide. The reality is that we are still in a strong relationship with Jacob's Creek because it is still a sponsor. In fact, the officers who operate out of South Australia regard the relationship with the SATC in good part, and we respect their support for our industry.

It is a pity that those opposite would want to talk down tourism when we have the highest bed occupancy on record, consistent growth year on year, and bed nights from our major events; and the AHA is supportive of the occupancy levels and the number of events. We are bringing new events, ranging from the Guitar Festival to the Rugby Sevens; making events annual instead of biennial; and increasing the Tour Down Under to a Pro Tour event and, in the process of that, getting massive extra sponsorship. Those opposite of course know that specific sponsorship deals are very often commercial in confidence, but I can assure those opposite that our relationship with our sponsors is as strong as ever and we will continue to work with Jacob's Creek. We are still in negotiations with the company over various sponsorships, and that is as it should be—because Jacob's Creek is a strong supporter of South Australia, as is Pernod Ricard, and we hope that continues.