MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:23): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Why has employment in South Australia's manufacturing sector fallen to the lowest level since industry employment records began—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The leader should be given the opportunity to ask his question.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: Why has employment in South Australian's manufacturing sector fallen to its lowest level since industry employment records began 25 years ago? Data released today by the ABS indicates manufacturing employment has fallen 12 per cent in the last three months.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (14:24): In extremely simple terms: the global financial crisis.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!