House of Assembly Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1) 52 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Question Time State Strategic Plan STATE STRATEGIC PLAN Mr PICCOLO House of Assembly Light STATE STRATEGIC PLAN Mr PICCOLO (Light) (15:02): My question is to the Minister Assisting the Premier with South Australia's Strategic Plan. Can the minister update the house on the recent community engagement processes undertaken to ensure the plan continues to reflect the community's current values and concerns? The Hon. T.R. KENYON House of Assembly Newland Minister for Recreation Minister for Road Safety Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister Assisting the Premier with South Australia's Strategic Plan STATE STRATEGIC PLAN The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Assisting the Premier with South Australia's Strategic Plan) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his question. He has a strong interest in the state's Strategic Plan, as we all should have. In March 2004 the Rann Labor government released South Australia's first Strategic Plan. This plan provided a range of ambitious targets for a stronger economy and a stronger community. It was not intended as just another government plan but as a plan for everyone—for business, the community and government. In July last year— Members interjecting: The Speaker House of Assembly The SPEAKER: Order! The sooner he finishes, the sooner we can leave question time, so be quiet and let him finish. The Hon. T.R. KENYON House of Assembly The Hon. T.R. KENYON: Exactly right, ma'am. In July last year the Premier reported that, of the 98 targets, two-thirds have been achieved, are on track or are within reach. Since then, the independent Community Engagement Board has conducted extensive consultation across the length and breadth of our state—from Penola to Port Pirie, from Wudinna to West Beach (I was in West Beach a couple of weeks ago) listening to the views of South Australians on the future of South Australia's Strategic Plan. Ms Bedford interjecting: The Hon. T.R. KENYON House of Assembly The Hon. T.R. KENYON: No, holidaying. This process of regular and transparent updating and monitoring is a key part of ensuring that South Australia's Strategic Plan remains relevant and current. I was pleased to co-host, with the Premier and the Community Engagement Board, the recent launch of the Community Engagement Board's report to the South Australian government on the outcomes of the 2010 community engagement initiative, which will help update South Australia's Strategic Plan. The community engagement undertaken has been significant: in fact, it is the biggest consultation exercise undertaken in South Australia's history. More than 8,000 South Australians have been interviewed face-to-face, along with more than 1,000 others giving their thoughts online via the State Strategic Plan website. I want to assure all those who participated in this process that we have listened carefully and we have heard what they have to say. Their feedback has provided a practical guide to the aspirations of South Australians for the state they want to live in by 2020. There are no doubt differences in views and priorities from across the state, but one of the things that South Australians have in common is a sense of pride and a commitment to their community. The release of the Community Engagement Board's report on the community engagement initiative is testament to the board's effort and hard work. I would like to personally thank—and on behalf of the government—Mr Peter Blacker, the chair, and the rest of the Community Engagement Board for their efforts and reaching out to the South Australian community. I would also like to thank the Alliance members of South Australia's Strategic Plan and all those South Australians who have freely given of their time to provide the Community Engagement Board with their thoughts about the future of South Australia. It is the views of South Australian individuals, Alliance members and the community that will help inform the next update to the State Strategic Plan and its targets. Because South Australia's Strategic Plan is not a static document, it will continue to evolve and be updated to embody the changing aspirations of South Australians, ensuring that it remains relevant and current. The 2011 plan will be, as previous plans have been, a go-to action for the government. I look forward to working with the Community Engagement Board, Alliance members, my parliamentary colleagues and the broader community to strive to achieve the aspirations and targets that will be set out in the 2011 plan.