High-Tech Sector

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (14:58): Supplementary to the minister: minister, were any incentives offered or any approaches made to them to establish themselves in a regional location?

The Hon. S.J.R. PATTERSON (Morphett—Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:58): I thank the member for the question. Of course, if we talk about that, what is bringing these companies to South Australia is the ecosystem that is in place here. I mentioned the fact that we have the Australian Space Agency based in Lot Fourteen, which is fantastic news for South Australia, and that is then helping to bring these companies out.

I talked about what this brings. These jobs will create innovation to benefit companies in the agricultural sector, which your electorate no doubt has, the mining sector where your electorate is based, as well as massive opportunities with respect to defence. So there are great growth opportunities not only in your electorate, member for Frome, but in all the regional electorates. This is going to be great news.

There will be STEM opportunities for students. It is worth noting that Microsoft and Nokia are really trying to work with the South Australian government's Office for Women to try to grow female interest in these areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics because there are massive opportunities for them there. There are great opportunities for all students in your electorate, member for Frome.