China Trade Mission

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (14:44): My question is to the Minister for Investment and Trade. Can the minister update the house on South Australia's two-way trade with China?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:44): I thank the member for Light for his question because today South Australian exporters wrapped up the 2017 trade mission to China, targeting investment attraction exports and partnerships. The mission added to the continuing growth in our trade export performance, with export to China from South Australia now topping $2.2 billion. As the Australian ambassador, Jan Adams, told our exporters last week, 'If you want to do business in China, you have to come here.'

That growth is recognised in the most recent economic briefing report by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies released in December 2016. On page 24, it says—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Adelaide is already on two warnings.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: On page 24, it says:

The latest annual state accounts indicate that the overall export activity for South Australia rose quite strongly in 2015-16. The total volume of international exports of goods and services for the year was up 11 per cent, exceeding the national rise of 6.7 per cent.

When you read the correct figures and understand how to read them, it's amazing—you actually find the truth, something absent at times from those opposite. The report is based on the official Australian Bureau of Statistics data, which no-one over there seems to be able to competently read. I have a couple of friends in the media who don't know how to competently read them either.

The SPEAKER: Point of order, deputy leader.

Ms CHAPMAN: Point of order: I come to your defence, sir. I know that you are literate and you can read.

The SPEAKER: I thank the minister for offering us his ambrosia, but of course the diet of question time is relevance and substance.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: As the Premier told the house on Tuesday, our most recent trade delegation to China covered Guangzhou, Qingdao, Yantai, Shanxi, Suzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Close to 200 business delegates, representing 124 businesses and organisations, explored opportunities in 10 industry streams: trade, wine, investment, education and training, research and development, water, culture, health and ageing, agribusiness and culture. In the last few days, I also paid a return visit to the Vice Governor of Shanxi Province, Mr Gao Jianmin, who visited Adelaide in March this year with Premier Li's national visit.

The Department of State Development signed an MOU with Shanxi Overseas Chinese and Foreign Affairs Office to explore further potential areas of cooperation. I acknowledge and thank the hardworking government employees who organised the 10 industry streams, the business matching and the in-country introductions in association with industry.

Two years ago, the shadow spokesman on trade, the member for Chaffey, characterised all this work and I quote, 'The truth of the matter is that it was a photo opportunity, more than being about a real outcome.' Apparently, $2.3 billion is not a real outcome. The so-called photo opportunity he referred to—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: Let's hear from the Wokinabox because he knows all about it—how to do due diligence. He knows how to count, this bloke. The so-called photo opportunity—

The SPEAKER: The minister will be seated. Minister, I enjoy your extravagant sportive, raillery as much as anyone, but could you tone it down for the remainder of the answer.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: It's hard sir, but I will do my best. The so-called photo opportunity referred to in 2015 included a visit by Seppeltsfield winery as part of their ongoing push into the region. Last Saturday, Seppeltsfield opened a $75 million chateau in China, an outlet for retail sales of wine and tourism for the Barossa region. Seppeltsfield's executive chairman, Warren Randall, said at the opening that this was a deal three years in the making.

The opening was attended by thousands of buyers, consumers and interested observers, including Chinese media. Chateau Seppeltsfield Minquan is a joint venture between Seppeltsfield and a Chinese company delivering extraordinary results. It was well beyond the notions of a photo opportunity touted by the member for Chaffey. The trade mission has been an extraordinary success, along with the multiple visits by individual countries. If those opposite could learn to count they would recognise the success of our businesses selling goods and services.

The SPEAKER: I call to order the minister.