WORRALL, MR LANCE

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade. Why is Lance Worrall being paid more than $300,000 as one of three deputy chief executives in the minister's department, the same wage as before his recent demotion? Is he paid more than other deputies in his department? Is he, in fact, paid more than the chief executive he reports to, and is Mr Worrall the highest paid deputy in the South Australian Public Service?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:05): The new Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy has a very big role to fill. It is about ensuring a stronger and diversified economy for future generations. It is not just about growing our mining sector, but also about growing other sectors such as resources and services technology, advanced manufacturing, scientific and professional services, ICT, construction, engineering and project management.

It will also focus on supply chain capabilities to ensure that benefits from the mining boom flow through to the community. This is one of the government's key strategies. Leading this work is Lance Worrall. Lance leads the Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade team in DMITRE. He has a particular strategic emphasis on maximising industry participation in the Olympic Dam value chain and mining generally. He is also focusing on the manufacturing strategy, which is currently being formulated. He will also work with Göran Roos, who will lead our manufacturing task force.

Mr Worrall was appointed chief executive of the Department of Trade and Economic Development in July 2010 based on his extensive knowledge and understanding of the South Australian economy, which makes him entirely qualified for this position. Mr Worrall has a background as a public adviser for over six years, playing a key role in reshaping the state's economy. He worked closely with Robert Champion de Crespigny and the Economic Development Board on the state's strategy to grow the mining and defence sector.

Mr Worrall played a significant role in our push to secure the air warfare destroyer contract and to establish Techport as well as being involved in establishing the PACE scheme, which saw a massive increase in mineral exploration.

On a broader front, Mr Worrall played an important part in developing South Australia's Strategic Plan, which has become the blueprint for shaping the state. Mr Worrall was employed on a five-year contract, commencing 1 July 2010. The contract ceases on 30 June 2015. I am further advised that an executive level E package is consistent with his previous employment as the chief executive of the Public Sector Performance Commission, and that package is a—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —standard for all CEs. We make no apology for his appointment; he is a very good deputy chief executive.

The SPEAKER: The member for Port Adelaide.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!