Frankfurt Trade Office

Ms CLANCY (Elder) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Can the minister please update the house on the operations of the Department for Trade and Investment's European office located in Frankfurt, Germany.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Florey! The minister has the call.

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION (Taylor—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Planning) (15:05): I thank the member for Elder for her question. There has been a lot of interest and a little bit of debate about the Frankfurt office over the last few days.

It is worth just reminding ourselves that on 9 May 2023 the Premier announced the establishment of our office in Frankfurt; on 15 June, the budget provided for two new offices, in Frankfurt and Washington, and the special envoy to Singapore and South-East Asia; and on 16 October the Frankfurt office became operational.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: That is in the EU, thank you, member for West Torrens. With the addition of those positions, the largest international footprint in the state's history, so that's good news, isn't it? Despite all the geopolitical uncertainty, I am confident that we will see a growth in trade that surpasses even these record export figures that we have had since we have had our term in government.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Flinders!

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: I will get to that. The new Frankfurt trade office is manned by Ms Mishra, who is going to promote the state's industries and exports. Basically, she is an experienced trade and investment manager who has most recently worked for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Berlin. She can provide us with many insights and emerging market opportunities.

It is interesting to note that exports to Germany grew significantly in the last year, up by 37 per cent. We want to see that continue. Since starting 45 days ago, Ms Mishra has met with Invest SA, the Trade team, the Agent General's Office, providing a smooth transition from all the support that they have been given. She has supported the South Australian delegation of companies to Medica, which is the world's largest medical business to business trade fair—one of the world's largest—which was hosted in Dusseldorf, Germany, earlier this month on 13 to 16 November. The delegation of South Australian companies included—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: —Maxim, Tekcyte, Plasma Shield, Rehab Swift and Re-time. In collaboration with Invest SA's Health team, she helped those South Australian companies in the lead-up to the event, travelling with the delegation to Dusseldorf to provide on-ground support—exactly what we would expect a manager in these offices to do.

She has also been supporting (and I love this) Germany's Honorary Consul to the state, the former Liberal member for Hindmarsh, Mr Matt Williams—you would all know him—for his upcoming trip to Germany in December. She is working closely with Austrade and the Australian Embassy for collaboration with German companies in the hydrogen sector.

What we see here is the operation of a successful trade office—couldn't get a better start. We are very proud of her. We think this is a good thing. It is especially important when you make speeches to be up to date with the latest information.

Mr Pederick interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Hammond, order!

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: I am happy to acknowledge the very fine speech made by the member opposite.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: But let me give you another bit of information. One other office we opened was the office in Washington DC and that will be filled imminently.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Hammond!

The Hon. N.D. CHAMPION: There was quite a public campaign in The Advertiser. On 8 June there was an article in The Advertiser: 'Former premier Steven Marshall has US trade envoy role dangled before him'. It was a very public job application, which has been denied.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!