TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

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) (14:14): I seek leave to make a further ministerial statement containing another exciting announcement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Members would be aware that Brian Cunningham recently resigned as Chief Executive of the Department of Trade and Economic Development. I want to formally thank Brian for his work in heading up the Department of Trade and Economic Development and, before that, as head of the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology. In both these roles, Brian has helped us make the most of our economic opportunities and helped to ensure that we have the workforce to meet industry needs, particularly in the growing defence and mining industries. I wish Brian all the very best for the future.

I wish to inform the house that Lance Worrall has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Department of Trade and Economic Development—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —working with the Minister for Industry and Trade. For the past two years, Lance has been the Chief Executive of the Public Sector Performance Commission, overseeing an overhaul of the state's Public Service. Prior to that, he was my economic policy adviser, where he played a key role in reshaping the state's economy, working closely with Robert Champion de Crespigny and the Economic Development Board on the state's major push to grow our defence and mining sectors. He played a significant role in our push to secure the air warfare destroyer contract and establish Techport, as well as being involved in establishing the PACE scheme, which saw a massive increase in mineral exploration. On a broader front, Lance played an important part in developing South Australia's Strategic Plan, which has become the blueprint for shaping the state. Lance—I think 20 years ago—was previously director of the manufacturing advisory council. Lance's deep knowledge and understanding of the South Australian economy—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —industries and Public Service makes him eminently qualified for this position.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!