REGIONAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about the government's commitment to regional South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: The Rann Labor government has an impressive record in regional South Australia. There have been numerous initiatives under this government, such as the $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund and the establishment of the Regional Communities Consultative Council. However, thanks to the whingeing, moaning and groaning of the opposition, there is something of a negative sentiment in regional South Australia, which can be counterproductive for development, investment and community self-esteem. While the opposition continues—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: If the opposition would only read—

An honourable member: They sold the mills.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Yes, they sold the mills back in the nineties. I would also like to make quite clear that the regional impact statement, as indicated, concluded—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: This is part of my question—

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wortley should not be debating.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: While the opposition continues to talk down the regions, there is a danger that negative sentiment will become self-perpetuating. My question is: will the minister advise the chamber about what is being done to highlight the strengths of regional South Australia, and what is being done to identify the challenges and opportunities that exist in regional South Australia?

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, Minister for Gambling) (15:00): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and his ongoing interest in this particular policy area. I am pleased to inform the chamber that a regional statement for South Australia will be developed to enhance the state government's commitment to building sustainable regional communities. The regional statement will identify emerging challenges and opportunities. I know it annoys the opposition to hear about this government's commitment to regional South Australia but, indeed, we have an impressive track record.

The Rann Labor government has made a significant investment in regional South Australia through programs including the $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, the Upper Spencer Gulf Enterprise Zone, structural adjustment assistance for the South-East following Kimberly-Clark Australia's decision to downsize, and the ongoing Regional Development Infrastructure Fund, to mention just a few. I could go on, but I won't.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Now is the time to consolidate and build upon current initiatives through the development of a statement for regional South Australia as a vehicle for improved regional, economic, social and environmental outcomes. South Australia will benefit from a statement which will highlight to regional communities—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —and government agencies the linkages between government plans, strategies, programs and services. The statement will reaffirm the government's commitment to regional areas. It will highlight the importance of regional communities to continuing economic development.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Repeat that; I didn't hear.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Thank you, Mr President, I know that you have a deep personal interest in regional matters yourself, having been a shearer and having lived and worked in country South Australia for most of your life. The statement will reaffirm—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Yes, like you, Mr Ridgway, who has moved to Adelaide, so you shouldn't throw stones. The statement will reaffirm the government's commitment to regional areas. It will highlight the importance of regional communities to the continuing economic development of the state, including new opportunities from major resource and other projects. It will help to identify the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities and will elaborate on the government's approaches to regional planning, service delivery and development.

The statement will encourage regional communities to take ownership of those important initiatives which will drive future regional prosperity. The Independent Regional Communities Consultative Council will help develop this statement, so I have asked them to contribute to it, and there will be consultation with government agencies, key stakeholders and other ministers throughout the process.