TRADESTART PROGRAM

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (15:12): In light of his brilliant answer to the last question, my question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade. How many direct and indirect jobs are to be lost, and how many programs are to be cut and at what cost, as a result of the government's confirmation today that the TradeStart office in Liverpool Street, Port Lincoln is to be closed? Also, what cuts are to occur as a result of restructuring or re-tendering within offices located in Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Adelaide?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling) (15:12): I would like to say to the member for Waite, welcome back. It has been since 2 July last year that he has asked a question and I am very impressed he has fronted up today and finally had a go. I am impressed. I've got your back. Don't worry.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The strategists are not happy? The TradeStart program has been delivered between Austrade and the Department of Trade and Economic Development since 2006, and it is funded by the federal government—not us, the federal government. The contract for the current program was to finish—

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: He has ambitions. The contract for the current program was to finish on 30 June 2010. However, the federal budget announced the continuation of TradeStart, although with a smaller budget and some reduction in locations across Australia. I am advised that the commonwealth government has decided to close 18 of the nation's 48 TradeStart offices. The interesting thing is only one of those 18 offices to close is in South Australia.

There is currently a contractor working in this office and his position is being reviewed by my department. Three locations will remain in Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and in Adelaide, covering the greater metropolitan region. Tender documents for the new program for 2010-14 have been released by Austrade and it is inappropriate to comment further on this process while the tender is out. However, the Austrade program will continue to service businesses in Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula where necessary.

I note that the member for Waite is very concerned about budget cuts in the current federal government program. I just want to read a few budget cuts that the shadow treasurer has announced, and I would like to hear his view and opinion after question time on how he thinks these will impact on jobs in South Australia.

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker: even before he goes to that, he has indicated that he has moved right away from the ambit of the question, and that would be out of order.

The SPEAKER: I think the minister has answered the question.