SMART STATE PERSONAL COMPUTER PROGRAM

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:47): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Public Sector Management a question about a recent state government initiative.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Community organisations play a valuable role in the social life of our state. As members present all know, they are often challenged by not being able to afford often small amounts for equipment items or resources that can be vital to their service delivery. Will the minister advise what the government is doing to assist community organisations facing these challenges?

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) (15:47): I am very pleased to announce that the new round of offers of the Department of Premier and Cabinet Smart State personal computer program has now been finalised. The Smart State program is an initiative that involves donated surplus computer equipment from state government departments being provided to community organisations so that they can continue to serve a useful purpose.

The provision of computers is at no cost to the applicant, and PCs also include hard drives, monitors, keyboards and mice. The equipment is donated by various state government departments and I am advised will go to benefit people under the consideration of the Social Inclusion Unit. This will enhance support services and educational opportunities for people like the elderly, the socially isolated and at-risk groups.

They may also be used to assist special populations such as Indigenous groups, Disability Action and support groups and linguistically and culturally diverse groups. Availability is dependent on department turnover of equipment and its suitability for the program. This Labor government aims to reduce its ecological footprint as part of its commitment to sustainability and climate change, and this program is just another way the government is seeking to achieve its goals.

The application process is designed to be simple to understand and comply with. Organisations are required to demonstrate the extent to which activities undertaken with the PCs will benefit the wider community and also the relevance of the activities to fulfilling objectives of the South Australian Strategic Plan. Some of the applicants who have been successful in this round include the Eudunda Community Centre, the Muslim's Women's Association of South Australia, the Barossa Area Fundraisers for Cancer Inc and Positive Life SA.

Opening and closing dates for each round are announced on the Department of the Premier and Cabinet website, where you can also download an application form. DPC assesses each application against the criteria of the program and a panel submits recommendations, which I then consider carefully before selecting successful applicants.

This policy helps the government to reduce, as I said, its ecological footprint and is a smart and easy way to continue to provide a benefit to the wider South Australian community. This is an ongoing program, with another round of offers opening on 27 June this year, and I strongly urge members to suggest to all community organisations or people they feel may be eligible and worthy that they apply for the next round of offers.