SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Small Business a question about the Office of Small Business.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: During the estimates process for regional development in July it was confirmed that the Director of the Office for Regional Affairs is also filling the role of Director of the Office of Small Business. The estimates committee also learned that the director was not receiving any additional remuneration despite working in both positions. My questions are:

1. Will the minister indicate whether the dual role is a permanent appointment or only on a temporary basis?

2. Given that the two portfolios are no longer the responsibility of one minister, as they were in July, is it reasonable that the director remains responsible for both offices?

3. If so, has the salary level of the position been reviewed?

4. Will the minister indicate whether the government has any plans to amalgamate the two offices into one unit?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:30): I thank the honourable member for his questions. As he indicated, the Director of the Office of Regional Affairs has also been acting as the head of the Office of Small Business. That arrangement was put in place prior to my becoming the Minister for Small Business.

Certainly, at the time, that was a permanent arrangement but, obviously, the future arrangements (given that there now are two separate ministers for the one unit) are something that I will be considering and also discussing with my colleague the Minister for Regional Development and the new head of the department. Mr Brian Cunningham has now been made the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Trade and Economic Development. I will be having a look at those arrangements to see whether that should remain into the future.

There certainly are some similarities between the regional development boards and the BECs in the city area. There are some similarities but, of course, there are also some differences. Before any final decision is made (even though the decision was final when I became the minister) I will be having a look at it. It is certainly something that has crossed my mind, as to whether that is the best arrangement heading forward and I will be—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: That is what I am saying. There are two divisions. The Small Business Unit still remains separate from the Regional Development Unit. I will be examining the case for and against it to see whether there should be any change. However, for now, the arrangement is that the Regional Director, Mr Tyler, will remain as the director of the two divisions.