Meet the Buyer Forums

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (14:20): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Can the minister inform the house on measures the state government is taking to assist local companies win government work?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:21): I thank the member for her question and keen interest. Later this month, Port Pirie will host the state government's first regional Meet the Buyer event. This successful program, which began last year, partners local businesses with key government agencies in order to better position them to win government work. Furthermore, it helps build awareness of what locally based companies have to offer, and there is much in Port Pirie to offer to the people of South Australia, not just good, stable government.

Furthermore, it will help build awareness of what locally based companies have to offer. These events create an opportunity for businesses to meet key government staff that have responsibility for the design of projects, sourcing business solutions or purchasing goods and services. It is a fantastic forum where the business community can learn more about procurement processes, what the government is seeking from suppliers, and upcoming opportunities.

There were six successful Meet the Buyer events last financial year, and the state government proposes to host a further six events this financial year. Importantly, two of these events will be held in the regions. There is no doubt that our regional businesses have a lot to offer, and that is why we are bringing buyers to them. We want to ensure that the power of procurement drives greater employment creation and supports local jobs and innovation in regional South Australia.

It is the view of this government that providing regional businesses with the right knowledge and contacts means that they will be able to identify and grasp the opportunities available to them. The more regional businesses bid for and win government work means more jobs created and more investment in our regional communities.

Ms Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Sorry, I can't hear you back there.

Ms Redmond: I said they just don't get paid if they're on Kangaroo Island.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, still not making any sense. The Meet the Buyer events complement the recently launched Tender Ready project between the state government and Business SA, aimed at making sure more small businesses are successful in winning government contracts. The first—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I agree with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. I condemn the commonwealth government entirely for what they have done to Mr Rossi and his amazing South Australian company—based in the great electorate of West Torrens. The first regional Meet the Buyer event will be specific to the state government's regional expenditure. It will be held on Thursday, 28 August at the Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie between 1pm and 4pm. For further information about the regional Meet the Buyer event, contact the office of the Industry Participation Advocate—I might add, an office that was to be abolished had the government not been successful in its re-election campaign—via email at oia@sa.gov.au or please call 8226 2755.