OZ COMIC-CON

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:40): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Tourism a question about Oz Comic-Con.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: I am sure honourable members noticed the media coverage over the weekend about a new event for Adelaide. Nerds and geeks from all walks of life—and I was thinking, sir, that it reminded me of the Liberal Party conference; however, that would be unparliamentary—

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: —and I am informed that Liberal Party conferences are not that entertaining. They converged in force on the inaugural Oz Comic-Con held at the Adelaide Showgrounds. Could the minister tell the chamber more about this event?

The PRESIDENT: The honourable minister might disregard some of the comments made in the question.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:41): I thank the honourable member for his question. He is leading with his chin in relation to this very important issue. I was delighted to see such wonderful coverage of this very new event over the weekend. Members may be aware that Comic-Con events have been taking place for some time around the world, but this Australian event, called Oz Comic-Con, is the first to be staged by DCA Enterprises, also known as Hub Productions. I am told that Hub Productions has previously brought Star Trek conventions to Australia, amongst other science-fiction-related events. Oz Comic-Con has also been supported by Blue Planet Public Relations, a Sydney-based PR firm.

Members may not be aware of what is involved in a Comic-Con event, so I am happy to provide some details. I know there were certainly a lot of very strange images shown on the news, as we saw all sorts of characters emerge in full costume over the weekend. A range of celebrity guests attend and are available to sign autographs. Guests often deliver speeches and hold question-and-answer sessions for attendees as well.

The Adelaide event included such stars as Jonathan Frakes from Star Trek: the Next Generation, Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings and The Goonies, Jewel Staite from Firefly and Stargate Atlantis, and Disney legend Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy. A range of other screen stars were also present and, in addition, fans were given the opportunity to meet and buy the works of a range of comic book writers and illustrators, both local and international.

I am told that the numbers attending this event were just phenomenal. They far exceeded what was planned for, and I understand there was a line of people waiting at the entrance to get in that looped right around part of the showgrounds. It was a huge and overwhelming success.

Oz Comic-Con also included a large online gaming tournament, where players could battle each other. A large costume parade and competition were also held for those punters who turned up in a range of costumes; and indeed they did, with many dressing as their favourite comic or science-fiction character. Attendees were also able to have their photos taken with a range of people who dressed up accordingly. I am told there were Klingons, Borgs and many other literary and screen legends available, and people queued for autographs. A TARDIS was also in evidence, and I understand this is a very popular subject for punter photographers.

It was also very pleasing to see a huge number of local businesses and traders out in force at the event. Sellers of board games, computer games, comic books and clothing were all out in force as well, and I am told by the organisers that all of the businesses that had retail stands at the event were absolutely run off their feet. As an example, one retailer in particular took more than one month's takings in just two days. For a small locally-based retail outfit—as many of the businesses present were—an event like this is obviously a very important initiative. It was wonderful to hear what an overwhelming success this event was.

Perhaps the best illustration of the success of this event was the number of people who attended the Comic-Con. I am told that organisers were hoping to see 8,000 people attend over Saturday and Sunday. In actual fact, I am advised that over 8,000 people had attended by midday on Saturday, and I understand that over the course of the weekend it was closer to something like 18,000 people who attended. As I said, it was a huge success.

I am absolutely delighted to note that Comic-Con will be returning to Adelaide next year, and I look forward to learning more about the 2013 event as details become available. I hope that Comic-Con will live long and prosper well into the future. I congratulate the organisers on such a wonderful success.