SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Can the minister update the house on the progress of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner and the mediation panel and services?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:46): I thank the member for Light for his keen interest in the Small Business Commissioner. He is one of the architects of South Australia leading the nation in terms of its interactions with small business and its advocacy on behalf of small businesses, despite members opposite abandoning their traditional base.

I am pleased to inform the house that the Office of the Small Business Commissioner continues to go from strength to strength, and I notice the member for Norwood nodding, which is interesting given that he voted against its establishment. Since opening only five months ago, the commissioner's office has provided assistance and support to over 180 businesses.

Keeping in mind that some cases remain active, I am delighted to advise the house that there has been an impressive 85 per cent successful resolution of completed cases. The formula is simple, and I question again why the dark forces at work in the Liberal Party opposed the establishment of this office. The office provides a low-cost and rapid dispute resolution—

The Hon. J.D. Hill interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Dark forces, yes. The office provides a low-cost and rapid dispute resolution for small businesses that are generally denied access to justice because of the escalating financial costs of legal services. The commissioner will attempt to facilitate resolution of disputes in the quickest, most cost-effective manner to ease the burden of legal expenses for both parties. Should the commissioner's office not resolve disputes, formal mediation is called upon. These mediation services will be a key part of the assistance offered by the commissioner's office.

A tender process was completed to establish an external mediation panel for the commissioner's office. There are four companies on the initial panel, which will operate for two years with an option to extend for one year. Mediation costs through the tender process total $900 per day, which is well below commercial rates. However, the fee set by the state government is $195 per day. This will ensure that, throughout South Australia, small businesses will have access to low-cost mediation services.

I encourage all members to inform their local small business constituents about the commissioner's office and I again call upon the opposition to finally admit that they got it wrong and throw their full support behind the Office of the Small Business Commissioner.

The Hon. I.F. EVANS: Point of order: standing order 119.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: Yes, I'm reflecting on a vote of the house—you got it wrong.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, have you finished your answer?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Madam Speaker, I am not reflecting on a vote of the house, just the members opposite who have abandoned small business.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I think the member for Davenport and the minister can take this outside if they want to continue this across the chamber. Minister, have you finished your answer?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, ma'am.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. The member for Morialta.