MINING SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (2 July 2007) (Estimates Committee B).

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling): Based on information available for the Estimates process in 2006, BHP-Billiton estimated 23,000 total direct and indirect jobs during both construction and operation stages.

Employment numbers are subject to the final project configuration selected by BHP Billiton. The Government is working with BHP Billiton to ensure that employment opportunities for South Australian's are maximised.

The figure of 4,000 is an estimate of the average increase in direct jobs across fifteen mining firms in the regions over the period 2005-14 according to a study Estimated demand for labour in the Mining sector: 2006-14 undertaken by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (February 2006).

The two figures cannot be related (as implied in the question) as the basis for each estimate is different.