SHARED SERVICES

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (15:01): My question is to the Treasurer. If he is ruling out the WA model for shared services reform using new computer programs to standardise systems, simplify and integrate finance, procurement, HR and payroll processes, how does he intend to achieve the $130 million worth of savings in the 2006-07 budget?

An honourable member interjecting:

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: Well, who is responsible? Is it you, or him?

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: Who is ultimately responsible?

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: With your leave, sir, I will explain. The Western Australian Auditor-General, in a special report in June this year, has confirmed that a similar program of shared services reform in that state is in serious financial trouble. His report states that the project is behind schedule and over budget and that 'there are lessons to be learned about managing by a committee'.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:02): I am delighted to take that question, as silly as it is. We are doing it uniquely the South Australian way.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: We have learnt from other jurisdictions and, as a result, we will do it better than have other jurisdictions. The member refers to Western Australia. Yes, there have been some clear mistakes made in Western Australia. Treasury officials have been to Western Australia and spoken to people there, and looked at other jurisdictions as well. The savings that the member refers to are: in 2007-08, $25 million, which comes from ICT, which has been the responsibility of the Minister for Infrastructure (in fact, I think it might be a bit above $25 million); in 2008-09, $45 million; in 2009-10 $60 million; and $60 million in each year after that.