ADVANTAGE SA

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:34): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about the Advantage SA Awards launch.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: It is the South Australian way of life to take a weekend off and go up to the shack and, be it ever so humble, it is a great way in which to have a break and recharge the batteries. Getting in touch with life in the regions and the close-knit communities outside the metropolitan area is refreshing. Those communities are very special and they make South Australia a great place. My question is: how does the state government ensure that a contribution to life in the regions is recognised?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises) (14:34): In the several weeks that I have had the pleasure of being Minister for Regional Development, it has been quite remarkable; the enthusiasm and talent that I have seen so far in the regions is quite fantastic. Members will recall that I was able to visit the Riverland recently to look at some projects and issues facing the community. It was very refreshing that, despite the very hard times and knocks that this community in particular has been through and has suffered, there was a tremendous optimism and resilience—a quite remarkable bounce back. I was most impressed indeed with the attitude of that community.

This particular visit has strengthened my confidence that we can use the current funding arrangements for regional development to the benefit of our regions and I am particularly referring, of course, to the significant interest of the federal government, the interest demonstrated by the approximately $1 billion in the regional development fund, which it has made available—and it is now seeking applications—and our contribution to the $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, which can be a leverage to help build up this region using our strategic vision to create a sustainable region.

Of course, the state government already supports regional South Australia in a range of areas—take health, for instance. Minister Hill recently told us that, compared with the last year of the previous Liberal government, spending on country public health services has increased by $333 million or 88 per cent.

The Hon. S.G. Wade: Tell us about inflation.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Talking about inflation, an 88 per cent increase in funding—

The Hon. S.G. Wade: What is it in real terms?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: In real terms that is $334 million, which is much greater spending than the former Liberal government in any way, shape or form. The government believes that it is important to recognise the unsung heroes of regional areas who make it happen. Indeed, on Friday 1 April I was very pleased to be able to launch the Advantage SA 2011 regional awards. The Advantage SA's regional awards program is now in its 13^th year and has celebrated some truly inspirational stories from our regions. This organisation celebrates the best of South Australia and acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution to the state. Advantage SA wields a mighty spotlight and it directs it onto those who have shone in their own special ways in their own communities.

The South Australian government is extremely pleased to again be partnering with Advantage SA in presenting these awards. The awards showcase and reward the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution towards regional South Australia and demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field. The South Australian government recognises their contributions to building a prosperous economy and is committed to supporting the regions in establishing and sustaining work and jobs, diverse industries and strong communities.

Advantage SA has done great work to reward some of the people who would not ordinarily seek any recognition—often they are our quiet achievers—and who work so hard for the benefit of their community. I know that there are some frequent flyers, so to speak, in the award recipients too, and these are recognised in the Telstra Hall of Fame for those who have won three or more regional awards on different occasions since its inception in 2000, irrespective of the year or category. For example, Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, which I also visited recently, is amongst those.

I am advised that 2010 was a record-breaking year for Advantage SA regional awards, with a staggering total of 653 entries received from across seven South Australian regions, the highest number of overall entries received in the award's history. The 2010 awards received fantastic support from the government-funded Regional Development Australia offices and from local councils in promoting and encouraging nominations, and also the tremendous amount of positive media coverage generated across Advantage SA's metropolitan and regional media partner network.

I was particularly pleased to launch these awards for 2011 and also seek nominations, because I believe that by publicising the good work that people in regions do the community is strengthened, and people become inspired to take that extra step to contribute to their communities. It is a remarkable social glue.

I encourage nominations of individuals, groups and businesses—in fact, individuals can nominate themselves—who have demonstrated excellence and leadership contributing towards success in regional South Australia. It is important that our state's regional high achievers receive the recognition they so rightly deserve, and I urge people to put their nominations in quickly, as they close on Friday 3 June.