Polaris Centre

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:09): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation. Can the minister tell the chamber about the state government's support for start-ups in small businesses in Adelaide's north?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:10): I thank the honourable member for his important question and his continued interest in this area, in particular in businesses operating in Adelaide's northern suburbs, and note his past interest as a local councillor in areas that cover the north of Adelaide, and the exceptionally good work he has done over many years in representing people in those areas.

This government is committed to assisting in the delivery of support programs and services that new start-up businesses and small businesses require. I am pleased to inform the council that recently we announced funding of $400,000 for the City of Salisbury's Polaris Centre, and that we are delivering on a commitment we made to the northern community at the last election to support the creation of new jobs by supporting local entrepreneurs to turn good ideas into successful ventures.

The centre is based in the northern suburb of Mawson Lakes, and I would invite the Hon. David Ridgway to go skulking about in the northern suburbs with his camera and take pictures of this office as well, and have a look at what that centre does. I know that he told us earlier in the week how fond he is of putting a camera on a selfie stick and the Leader of the Opposition pro tem taking pictures of offices probably late at night, going around the suburbs taking pictures.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Can you actually answer the question, minister?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Thank you, Mr President, for your guidance.

The PRESIDENT: Don't stir them up.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ridgway.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: This centre, which I think the Leader of the Opposition has undertaken to take photos of for us, will be a hub for innovation, providing programs that improve business performance for businesses in the north. This funding will benefit start-ups and small businesses across the region. Specifically, it will help to improve the digital capabilities of new and small to medium enterprises looking to grow their business into the future.

The Polaris Centre is funded by the City of Salisbury, the City of Playford and the University of South Australia, and the funding will enable the centre to roll out a new digital growth program to help new and existing small businesses in the use of technology. We know that, to be globally competitive, many businesses will need to maximise their digital expertise, and this program will assist them to do just that.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I note that I am getting plenty of interjections from the opposition about what I know about being global. I clearly don't—

The PRESIDENT: Don't engage in interjections, minister; just answer the question.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I note that the interjections I think are having a go at the Hon. Rob Lucas for never having had a real job, but I support the Hon. Rob Lucas. As I have said, long may he stay in this parliament and drive Liberal strategy: I am right behind you, the Hon. Rob Lucas, right behind you.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Brokenshire wants to ask his question, so finish your answer.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I will endeavour to stop being tempted by the rude interjections I am experiencing. I am able to inform members of this council that the digital growth program from the Polaris Centre will include:

Digital Start: 90 minutes of one-to-one mentoring to assist start-up businesses to gain a better understanding of the opportunities of web-based technologies and practices;

Digital Audit: a structured program for established firms to identify opportunities to improve their digital presence and gain process efficiencies, project management and distribution channels through a review of their current situation and recommendations for improvement;

Digital Growth Mentoring: a program for businesses that have participated in either Digital Start or Digital Growth Audit to receive targeted mentoring to implement recommendations and strategies;

Digital Innovators: a pilot accelerator program for existing businesses or start-ups with particular innovative entrepreneurial ideas; and

Digital Horizons: a series of seminars, workshops and master classes that promote applied expertise from within the University of South Australia's division of IT to northern Adelaide businesses.

For businesses to successfully grow in an ever evolving marketplace they must have the tools available to operate successfully in the digital world. That is why I am excited about the opportunities that this innovative program will provide to businesses owners and operators in Adelaide's northern suburbs.