MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (16:48): My question is again to the Premier. Has the government been distracted from support for the broader manufacturing sector, particularly in the south, by mining exploration and defence projects? Reports show that South Australia's share of natural exports has declined from 7.42 per cent in 2001-02 when the Liberal government was in office to 5.76 per cent as at December 2007. Today the National Australia Bank's monthly business survey reveals that:

Business conditions have also generally deteriorated in recent months, and probably most notably in South Australia.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (16:49): That is extraordinary. I have a challenge for the opposition. Compare the unemployment rate in South Australia today, either in this state or in the southern suburbs—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I challenge members opposite to compare the unemployment rate and the employment rate in the southern suburbs today with when the Leader of the Opposition was a member of cabinet. Spot the difference.