SMALL BUSINESS

In reply to the Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (4 June 2009).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): The Treasurer has provided the following information:

The total savings to South Australian wine producers from streamlining wine labelling requirements were estimated to be $14,367,400 per annum. This figure was derived using a methodology developed by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE). The savings were attributed equally to the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) and the Department of Justice who jointly implemented the initiative. The savings figure of $7,183,700 in Appendix 2.7.5, which is the amount attributed to PIRSA, was independently verified by Deloitte as the auditor for the Government’s red tape reduction program.

The Government implemented this initiative more than a year ago, through amendments to the Trade Measurement (Pre-Packed Articles) Regulations which commenced on 1 September 2008.