SANTOS STADIUM

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Industrial Relations, representing the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, questions about the recent upgrade of Santos Stadium.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Recently, I met with representatives from Athletics SA and they expressed concern that the outdated facilities at Santos Stadium are a blight on the venue's image and its quality when compared with primary athletics stadia in other Australian capital cities. While it is fair to say all are very happy with the recent track upgrade, the failure to upgrade the rest of the stadium prevents it from being a world-class venue for athletics in this country. Currently Adelaide does not attract its fair share of major athletic events and all the benefits that come with a major sporting event. It is time for Adelaide to shake the backwater tag. My questions are:

1. Why was an upgrade of the clubroom facilities not considered when the track was upgraded earlier this year?

2. What is the minister doing to ensure that this city and state have a state-of-the-art athletics facility?

3. Can the minister confirm that he is doing all he can to secure a world-class athletics meet for Adelaide?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:19): I thank the member for his question. I will take it on notice and refer it to my colleague in the lower house and get an answer back to you as soon as possible.