ADELAIDE RAILWAY STATION

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:02): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Industrial Relations, representing the Minister for Transport Services, a question regarding business operators in the Adelaide Railway Station precinct.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Members may be aware that the Adelaide Railway Station will be closed throughout January 2013 due to the redevelopment of the Convention Centre. In addition to the resulting diversion of passengers onto buses at near-city stations such as North Adelaide, the suburban rail system will have a variety of train/bus substitution regimes on various lines. That situation was highlighted by the Hon. Mark Parnell earlier this week.

Like the Hon. Mr Parnell, I have noticed the significant impact on train passenger numbers during previous train and bus substitution periods. This has particularly affected the number of customers patronising the wide range of small businesses operating in the Adelaide Railway Station precinct. I should add that some of these businesses are longstanding tenants at the station. My questions to the minister are:

1. What level of compensation has been offered by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to Adelaide Railway Station business owners for the imminent period in which the station will be completely closed?

2. To what extent has DPTI provided assistance to employees of these businesses who will lose all work opportunities in January?

3. What, if any, action did DPTI take to assist Adelaide Railway Station business owners during previous train/bus substitutions on the various lines?

4. What discussion, if any, has DPTI had with these business owners regarding any possible assistance during ongoing and/or future train/bus substitution periods?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for his important question. I will take it on notice and refer it to the appropriate ministers in the other place and get a response as soon as possible.