GigCity Network

Ms LUETHEN (King) (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Innovation and Skills. Can the minister advise how the Marshall Liberal government is supporting growth of the digital economy and creating jobs in South Australia through the GigCity program?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI (Unley—Minister for Innovation and Skills) (15:04): I thank the member for King for focusing on the big issues—and the big issue in South Australia is the future. That's what this is all about: jobs for young people that we are delivering here in South Australia by making sure we futureproof the state. Of course, the GigCity network supports the growth of all startups, entrepreneurs and small business through the provision of additional ultrafast internet connectivity to over 390 businesses at 23 innovation precincts across metropolitan Adelaide, including Lot Fourteen, the Tonsley innovation district and Technology Park.

I am also pleased to announce that two new precincts will be joining the GigCity network shortly: the Welland Healthy Living Precinct and the Unley Civic Precinct. The Welland Healthy Living Precinct is a social enterprise hub in the inner western suburbs that supports primary healthcare providers and focuses on the shared care and disability sector. The Unley Civic Precinct is a managed co-working and business incubation space located in heritage cottages being refurbished.

This is the outcome of an expression of interest process conducted in April this year in which 19 councils in metropolitan Adelaide were invited to submit applications for new GigCity precincts. Applications were received from five councils: the City of Charles Sturt, the City of Burnside, the Campbelltown City Council, the City of Prospect and the City of Unley. The two new precincts are expected to be connected in late 2021 or 2022 once all agreements have been signed and the capital works completed.

The GigCity network is helping eligible small businesses thrive in a digital economy, with a 2019 survey showing that more than two-thirds, or 67 per cent, of GigCity users found the GigCity service was important and critical for the success of their business. A further survey of all GigCity users is currently being undertaken, and I look forward to the updated results from this consultation.

In addition to the high-speed connectivity, GigCity users are also experiencing improved efficiency through access to cloud-based software, offsite data backup and videoconferencing capabilities. In 2020, the government approved $2.5 million to continue the GigCity program until June 2024, providing certainty for over 390 businesses that are currently using the GigCity connectivity. This includes a recently completed review of the cybersecurity and resiliency of the GigCity network.

The government is considering the recommendations of this review and will adopt measures that further strengthen the network to meet the demanding needs of the defence, space and creative industries. The government is also extending GigCity to Mount Gambier and Whyalla, with 35 businesses already using GigCity services. The network is still under construction, which is expected to be completed by January next year.