CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Mr PISONI (Unley) (15:05): Will the Premier now provide answers to questions I asked him in July and September 2010 regarding new enrolments and Chinese accreditation at Carnegie Mellon University? On 1 July 2010, I asked the Premier a series of questions relating to Carnegie Mellon University's Adelaide campus.

I asked the Premier to confirm whether there were fewer than 20 students enrolled at Carnegie Mellon for the 2010 midyear enrolment and whether the two degrees offered at the Carnegie Mellon University campus are accredited with the Chinese ministry of education and training. The Premier would not answer the questions but promised to report back to the house. I then asked the Premier the same questions again on 16 September 2010, and again the Premier did not provide an answer. Since then, media reports have suggested that Carnegie Mellon is at threat of closure.

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) (15:06): I would be pleased to answer this question. It is one of those eureka moments. Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz college has graduated over 180 students since its inception in 2006, and the largest cohort of 64 students graduated in August this year.

Enrolments have been increasing at an average rate of 20 to 30 per cent per annum, in some instances even higher. Enrolments fluctuate due to a variety of factors, and I have been advised that the Heinz college midyear intake was lower than expected. However, I am advised that there is a prediction for increased numbers of students for 2011-12, so you will be disappointed. In a press release issued last Sunday—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I think that number has been revealed publicly. In a press release issued last Sunday 24 October, Carnegie Mellon stated that it is 'committed to the long-term development of our operations in South Australia', so you would be very disappointed. It is not like the eureka business. The release also stated—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —and I quote:

There are no plans to close the operations in Adelaide and no truth that a closing in 12 months is imminent.

The latest enrolment trend released from Education Adelaide (market update March 2010) states that from June 2009 to June 2010 international student growth in South Australia was 9.3 per cent, while it was only 2.4 per cent nationally. It also states that SA's market share of the national total is 5.8 per cent, up from 5.4 per cent last year. These solid numbers point to the fact that South Australia has done well with our international student growth and has exceeded national trends.

Mr PISONI: Point of order. I have asked the Premier to provide enrolment numbers. I have not asked questions about other universities. I have asked questions specific to Carnegie Mellon University. It is the third occasion that I have asked the Premier to confirm new midyear enrolments at Carnegie Mellon and Chinese accreditation.

Members interjecting:

Mr PISONI: But you're hiding it.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr PISONI: You know the answer to the question—

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Unley! Sit down!

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Sit down, member for Unley! The Premier has been answering that question, because I have been listening very carefully. I do not expect the Premier to know the number of enrolments without coming back to us, but he does have figures there indicating an increase.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: No, it has been in the newspapers that their midyear intake was seven and—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —that they have 64 students graduated, an increased average rate of 20 to 30 per cent, and then expecting—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —much bigger in next year's intake. Do you know something? Carnegie Mellon in Adelaide is in a lot healthier shape than your business operations.

The SPEAKER: Member for Unley, it is time for you to ask another question, but I am reluctant to let you. Get your question out and get it over and done with.

Mr PISONI: It is interesting that the Premier would refer to my business. He walks past my piece of furniture in the dining—

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Point of order.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Point of order, Madam Speaker. It is not open to the member for Unley, no matter how bad tempered he is, to stand up and engage in debate. He may merely ask a question and he may seek leave to explain it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! There will be no quarrels across the floor. Member for Unley, do you have a question?

Mr PISONI: I do, Madam Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Then ask your question and sit down and don't engage in debate.