Ministerial Statement

Member for Frome, Government Agreement

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (15:31): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Members of the house would be aware that, following the state election, the government reached agreement with the Independent member for Frome to establish a stable and effective government that works productively for all South Australians.

This agreement contains a number of important elements, but first and foremost it provides for stability of government while rightly acknowledging the independence of the member for Frome. It outlines mechanisms to support meaningful and respectful communication with the member for Frome and reforms to election and parliamentary processes to improve the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of candidates, members and political parties to the standards that should be expected of them.

The agreement also includes charters for small business and for stronger regional policy. These charters outline commitments and initiatives that will ensure that the government is more responsive to the needs of South Australia's regional communities and the small business community. With regard to small business, there is no doubt that small businesses contribute enormously to our economy and to our community. This charter will assist to further improve the operating environment for small businesses in South Australia by reducing regulation, keeping business costs low, and providing tangible information and assistance to businesses.

The agreement also supports our regions. While the government has provided substantial resources to our regions over many years, it is clear we can do more. Under the charter for stronger regional policy, the regions will benefit from improvements to the improved coordination of regional activities, greater transparency regarding the resources provided to the regions, and improved access to government and decision-making processes. Further information regarding the implementation of these commitments over the forward estimates and other commitments with respect to the electorate of Frome will be made clear in the budget.