SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:08): Can the Minister for Small Business inform the house about the appointment of the Small Business Commissioner?

The Hon. I.F. EVANS: Point of order, Madam Speaker: this was announced by two other ministers this afternoon, by minister 'Koutstanonis' and a minister 'Koustanstonis'. It is already public information.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. That was a very frivolous point of order.

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) (14:09): Madam Speaker, my press secretary quoted Hansard today. He says:

Minister, I want to say this to you: when I get something wrong, I apologise; I fess up.

What is wrong with that? Who could possibly deny him that sort of apology? Last year a nationwide search was undertaken to find the best possible candidate for a small business commissioner. This was led by the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, Mr Warren McCann, with a four-member selection committee assisting the selection process.

The original field of 13 candidates was narrowed to two in recent weeks, and today I can confirm to the house that the Governor in Executive Council has appointed Mr Mike Sinkunas as our inaugural Small Business Commissioner for the next five years. Mr Sinkunas has substantial leadership and executive experience and his appointment will be very positive for our state's small business sector. Importantly, the new commissioner has owned and run a small business and has significant understanding of small business issues in South Australia—and is a mad keen Port Adelaide supporter.

In addition to this appointment, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner will open its doors for business from today. This is a dark day for the Liberal Party which has opposed this reform at every turn, even in the face of their own federal Liberal policy.

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order: standing order 98. The minister is now debating the answer to the question.

The SPEAKER: I think there is one line in there you could have objected to. Sit down. Minister, back to the question.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, Madam Speaker. The ultimate goal that the government aims to achieve by establishing this office is to keep businesses focused on their day-to-day operations by having a low cost—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —effective mechanism for dispute resolution. In addition, the goal is to make the small business sector stronger by developing a set of standards, a set of codes, that will be the benchmark for equality in business-to-business relationships and transactions.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The government's aim is to stamp out things such as predatory behaviour, unconscionable conduct and franchise churning that will often target small business operators.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: We want to entrench fair competition in this state. With the establishment of this office, businesses will now have a place that they can call to report this type of behaviour. The commissioner's office will also be responsible for maintaining a wide range of information and resources including a website with information to assist small businesses in understanding retail leases, franchise agreements and common areas that may lead to disputes.

I congratulate commissioner Sinkunas—who I understand is in the gallery today along with our deputy commissioner, Associate Professor Frank Zumbo—on his appointment and trust that he will do an exemplary job in this very important role for the people of South Australia. This is a momentous day for all small business people in South Australia. It is also a momentous day for the member for Light.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The member for Light's commitment to small business owners, especially franchisees, has not waivered in his vision for fairness in this sector. The government and I would like to thank him immensely for his hard work and support in getting to this point. I strongly encourage small business owners to call the Office of the Small Business Commissioner if they are having difficulties resolving a dispute or are seeking more information about their rights and obligations. The contact details are Level 4, 111 Gawler Place, Adelaide. The telephone number is 8303 2026. The email address is sasbc@sa.gov.au and the website is www.sasbc.sa.gov.au.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I see the same dark forces in the Liberal Party are at work today.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!