TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Transport, a question about staffing within the Department for Transport.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Recently, I was contacted by a car dealership manager who needed to transfer the registration on a bus which he had sold. When this individual attempted to transfer ownership he was asked to make an appointment to have a seat inspection at Regency Park, so he could then transfer registration to the new owner. He was told that currently they could not make appointments until mid-October. Upon complaining about that, because he wanted to make the transaction, he was advised that he could take the bus down for a standby appointment, just in case a slot became available.

He did this by sending an employee down to Regency Park in the vehicle the very next morning, and then the entire day was wasted as nothing was available. Upon asking whether it would be advisable to come back the next day, he was told that he could, but there would be no guarantees. He rang up the next morning and was told there was nobody available at all that day. The seat inspection was urgent as the vehicle had already been sold, and the transfer of registration needed to be completed.

This incident occurred a week ago and I believe that it has still not been resolved. Transport staff have advised my office that an inspection could not be carried out, as all inspectors (and, from memory, there were three) were either on leave or unavailable. Members can imagine how frustrating this situation must be for a person who is trying to run a business and, obviously, an individual who has purchased a vehicle. My questions are:

1. Will the minister find out from the Minister for Transport what the staffing situation is at Regency Park and whether it will be addressed?

2. What message does this send to businesses regarding South Australia's claim of being open for business?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:55): I will refer that question to my colleague in another place and bring back a reply.