OZASIA FESTIVAL

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (14:59): My question is to the Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Transport to order.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Why did South Australia's OzAsia Festival receive an award from the Hong Kong Australia Business Association?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members had better watch out; someone might be tossed for the rest of question time.

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services, Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts) (15:00): I thank the member for Colton for this question and, once again, as I have in the past, I acknowledge and, indeed, celebrate his commitment to the arts.

The Hon. P. Caica interjecting:

The Hon. C.C. FOX: I've been celebrating a lot today! Last Friday night the Adelaide Festival Centre's OzAsia Festival was honoured with an award from the South Australian chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association. For those members who are interested, the OzAsia Festival occurs every year—this year from 13 to 29 September—and the inspiration for this year's festival is Malaysia.

This is the second consecutive year that OzAsia has received this accolade. The festival won for its contribution to the relationship between South Australia and Hong Kong in the areas of tourism, hospitality and recreation, and it is worth noting that, next year, the 2014 OzAsia Festival is actually partnering with Shandong Province because of our very long and healthy relationship with that particular part of China—27 years, I believe.

Further to this recognition, the Adelaide Festival Centre's OzAsia Festival was also honoured with a national award from the Hong Kong Australia Business Association for business development in May this year. OzAsia's extraordinary success in attracting private sponsorship, including the festival's major partner, Santos, highlights the business opportunity it provides. This government has been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of this festival. The OzAsia Festival began in 2007.

The SPEAKER: Yes, I don't think we need to hear the history of the festival, minister. Thank you for that answer. Member for Torrens.

The Hon. C.C. Fox interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Will the minister be seated. Thank you. Member for Torrens.