Question Time

Government Consultants

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation a question about the VTT cellulose fibre chain value study.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Yesterday, the hardworking minister tabled an answer to a question without notice that I asked in 2014—a couple of years ago; nonetheless, we are very happy to have the answer. One of the questions I asked back at that particular time was:

3. Can the minister bring back to the house what the selection process was that saw VTT chosen for the fibre chain value study, did it go to tender and who were the unsuccessful bidders…?

The response was:

The fibre chain value study was considered a highly specialised area with limited market. An exemption was given by the Accredited Purchasing Unit for the department to undertake a select tender approach. VTT was considered to have a unique global expertise in research and industry application of cellulose fibre technology and provide connection to global networks, including commercial market opportunities for South Australian industries.

My question is: given that South Australian taxpayers spent $1.13 million on South Australia's cellulose fibre chain value study three years ago—completed in 2013—and the importance of the timber industry to the honourable member's home town and of the timber products to the community of the South-East, can the minister detail exactly what outcomes have been achieved for the people of the South-East, or the Limestone Coast, and the state of South Australia as a whole?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in areas where he has a common interest—as once upon a time he was from down that way, not quite the rich, fertile land of the Lower South-East but—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: But we had to really work hard for a living.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —the Upper South-East. Whereas the member claims he had to work hard for a living, it is a claim that not everyone would support given the work that he—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Can the honourable member keep to his answer, please.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: That's right, and you also, the Leader of the Opposition.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: The ministerial responsibility for the VVT scheme currently rests with the forestry minister in another place. I'm very happy to take those questions on notice, refer them to the minister responsible for the scheme and bring back a reply for the very interested honourable member.