INNOVATION VOUCHER PROGRAM

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade. Can the minister inform the house of state government support for research and development undertaken by South Australian manufacturers?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Small Business) (14:35): I hope the member for Kaurna's leg is progressing well and recovering.

The Hon. J.D. Hill: It is, thank you.

The Hon. T.R. KENYON: The state government is committed to supporting South Australian businesses undertaking research and development. The Weatherill government's $1 million Innovation Voucher Program was a recommendation of former manufacturing thinker in residence Professor Göran Roos and is a joint initiative with the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology and the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy.

This program is designed to foster closer links between small to medium enterprises and research providers, as well as driving innovation. The Innovation Voucher Program will provide funding of between $10,000 and $20,000 for research and development projects by small and medium enterprises with an annual turnover below $20 million. Funding of up to $50,000 will be considered on a special case basis. Importantly, a financial contribution will be required from participating small and medium enterprises.

Small and medium enterprises with a turnover of up to $5 million will be required to contribute $1 for every $2 of funding, while those enterprises with a turnover of between $5 million and $20 million will be required to provide dollar for dollar matching funds. Eligible research and development businesses include public research organisations and companies that provide services for research and development.

Members may recall that last month we announced the first four recipients of the voucher program. Today I am pleased to be able to inform the house about a further two recipients of the Innovation Voucher Program. They are Trident Plastics for a project with Martelli Sons Pty Ltd to develop, prototype and test an innovative plastic mesh for concrete reinforcement applications to replace existing steel mesh; and Associated Electronic Services Pty Ltd for a project with Laragon Pty Ltd to design and build equipment for an automated and objective analysis of almonds for quality control and classification.

This is great news for South Australian businesses. I congratulate them on their successful applications and look forward to seeing the results of their research. Further information about this program, including guidelines and application information, is available at www.dfeest.sa.gov.au/ivp. I encourage all eligible small to medium enterprises and research providers to investigate applications to the Innovation Voucher Program.