SMART STATE PERSONAL COMPUTER PROGRAM

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:16): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Public Sector Management on the topic of the Smart State PC Donation Program.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: The minister has previously advised (in response to a question I asked here in July) how, through the Smart State PC Donation Program, the government is assisting South Australian community-based, not-for-profit organisations to access personal computing equipment. The minister has also advised how this program is assisting the government to meet its sustainability climate change targets by making available surplus government computers to community groups without cost. Will the minister provide an update on this program, and further details of the benefits to the community?

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) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for his important question. The state government is a very proud supporter of community organisations because of the valuable role they play. However, we recognise that these organisations are often challenged by the cost of electronic equipment that can be vital to providing or promoting their services.

As the honourable member mentioned in his question, the government is assisting South Australian community-based, not-for-profit organisations to access personal computer equipment at no cost from surplus government stocks through the Smart State PC Donation Program. This serves the dual purpose of benefiting the community and the environment. I am pleased to announce that I have recently approved the eligible applications made under round 28 of this program, and those organisations will shortly receive instructions on how they can collect their equipment.

A total of 33 eligible applications were received from organisations as diverse as Woodlands Grove Residents Association, the Merchant Navy Association, the Willunga District Soccer Club and the Riverland West Chamber of Commerce. I understand that successful organisations will be using their equipment for activities such as producing newsletters, pamphlets and flyers to promote their services and programs, for things like training of volunteers and clients, for research activities, and also for general administration duties, including maintaining membership and club databases.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see 11 successful applications made by bowling clubs across South Australia. These included clubs as far away as Kangaroo Island and Moonta, as well as clubs in the metropolitan area. I would like to thank Bowls SA, the governing body of lawn bowls in South Australia, for its effort in promoting the PC donation program. According to the organisation's website, Bowls SA has 224 clubs in metropolitan and country areas and over 18,000 registered members, as well as 10,000 people who participate in social bowls every year through the Night Owls program. I understand it was on its website that Bowls SA informed members of the program, and it included a link to the program's official website. This very much helped in the promotion of the program.

The success of this strategy is a testament to the powers of modern communications and information technology—something I hope these clubs and, by extension, the 28,000 people who participate in bowls each year will be able to continue to enjoy, through the computer equipment they will receive. I recognise that many members in this place and the other place actively promote the PC donation program to their constituents and organisations in their local community. However, it is very pleasing to see organisations such as Bowls SA encouraging their member clubs to apply.

Round 29 of the program will open on 21 November this year and applications will be accepted to the closing date, 19 December. Eligible organisations may receive up to a maximum of three personal computers. Organisations interested in applying must be able to demonstrate in their application that the equipment will be used for the benefit of the wider South Australian community, especially where they will be used to do things like:

enhance support services or educational opportunities for the elderly, socially isolated or risk groups, to improve wellbeing, quality of life, community participation and life management skills of individuals, families and communities, through programs and services; or

to develop and strengthen community relationships and community spirit throughout South Australia.

So, congratulations to all 33 organisations that have been a successful part of round 28.