WEST END BREWERY

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:12): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier advise the house about the investments by Lion into the West End Brewery?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development) (14:12): Can I thank the honourable member for her important question. Just a few hours ago, Lion announced that they would be investing over $70 million to modernise the West End Brewery on Port Road. The redevelopment will include a new beer processing room, new refrigeration system, a boiler upgrade, cellar automation and a new brew house.

Once completed, production at the brewery will increase by around 30 per cent to 130 million litres every year. This will mean the creation of additional full-time jobs in Adelaide and help stimulate South Australia's construction and transport sector, creating more jobs for tradespeople, truckies and specialist staff.

This decision reflects the confidence that Lion has in the economic future of South Australia. Now, I know there are those opposite that are seeking to talk down the economic confidence in South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: There is a certain urgency about addressing levels of confidence within the South Australian community about our economy—there is no doubt about that. The only contribution those opposite make—

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Order! What is your point of order?

Mr WILLIAMS: The Premier is definitely debating this issue.

Members interjecting:

Mr WILLIAMS: I was not interjecting; you started it.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr WILLIAMS: You are debating it.

The SPEAKER: Sit down. There is no point of order. Premier.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Apparently, the offence I caused was to talk about some good news for the South Australian economy. I know how that grieves them so, but this is great news. The reason Lion chose South Australia is for the same reason KPMG rates South Australia as the most competitive Australian city in the survey of doing business, beating Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, you can scoff, but KPMG, not some dodgy sort of right-wing organisation that assesses South Australia, but KPMG—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Are you casting—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: DMITRE has of course been case managing the long-term development of this site, and as a result of today's suite of other announcements the brewery will be making Swan and Emu for the Western Australian market, as Lion has announced its intention to close its Swan Brewery in Perth. Of course, while this is good news for South Australia, it is obviously sad news for some of those workers in the Swan Brewery, so obviously our thoughts are with them; but it is a great opportunity for the West End Brewery.

It has been part of the history of our state since 1859. Many of us would have gone down there to see the wonderful display they have at the brewery. I am hoping that as part of this arrangement there will be many more occasions when there is a black and white listed at the top of the brewery site. I am not sure if that is a term of the arrangement, but it would be nice if it was. This is a great vote of confidence in the South Australian economy, and it is a great opportunity for South Australian workers to get well-paid jobs in a secure and growing sector.