COMPUTER SYSTEMS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police, representing the Attorney-General, questions about legacy computing systems.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Last week, I asked questions in relation to information systems known as legacy systems that are written in an obsolete computing language. I mentioned that, in addition to the number of personnel competent in these obsolete language skills being limited and also in their twilight years, the systems analysts responsible for the design of these systems have all but disappeared. In the mid to late 1980s, the government developed an integrated data system—the social justice system—which links various government agencies, including the Attorney-General's Department, the Department for Families and Communities, the Courts Administration Authority, SA Police and the Department for Correctional Services. The Attorney-General's Department was the lead agency in managing the system. My questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Is this system a legacy system as classified by the government?

2. If so, has the software been upgraded? If not, is it likely to be upgraded, and when?

3. What is the likely cost of redeveloping the software?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:57): I thank the Hon. Mr Darley for his important question regarding legacy computer systems, and I will refer it to the Attorney for his response.