Defence SA

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:14): My question is again to the Deputy Premier. Why did Richard Price resign as CEO of Defence SA, and can the minister provide an update on the international recruitment process? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PATTERSON: Defence SA CEO, Richard Price, who has provided exemplary leadership and service to South Australia's defence industry, announced his resignation last month.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (14:15): Yes, he did and, again, I am grateful to the member for the question so that I can put on record my gratitude to Richard Price, who is an exceptional executive. The moment I arrived in the portfolio everybody—interstate and in South Australia, from Sir Angus Houston down—told me how important the institution of Defence SA is, the construction of it, the nature of it, and also the extraordinary role that several chief executives over time have played, including Richard.

I am, of course, sorry to see Richard go. He has made his choices in terms of the next stage of his career and his life, and I don't want to speak on his behalf in any way, but he is a loss. There is no question that not having him involved is a loss to me and the government; however, there are many talented people associated with defence.

What is important, as the member has referred to, is that we undertake an appropriate selection process in order to find that right person for this next stage of development of Defence SA, of AUKUS and of our participation in the defence and space industries. There are several people in Defence SA of very high quality, one of whom will act in due course when Richard leaves and several who may wish to apply for the job. But, as the member mentions, we are interested in doing an international search because defence is of such crucial importance to us that we want to ensure we are testing the best possible candidates.

As the member and members opposite will know, chief executives report to the Premier. Erma Ranieri, as the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, and the head of Premier and Cabinet, Damien Walker, are working together to establish the appropriate committee. By my suggestion they have started by talking to the Defence SA board, people of immense experience and levels of contact, who will be able to guide that selection process so that we ensure we get the right person.

As I said, I would like to put on the record my immense gratitude to Richard for the work he has done. I expect he will remain in South Australia as he moves into the next stage of his career and his enjoyment of life, but I also note the excellence of the staff within that agency and therefore have every confidence it will continue to be managed well as we go through this process.