Automotive Workers in Transition Program

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Automotive Transformation questions regarding the Automotive Workers in Transition Program.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Aside from the Career and Workforce Development Centre at Warradale, which we have heard today is now open by appointment only, another centre also exists at Elizabeth. My questions to the minister are:

1. How many people have visited the Elizabeth centre since it opened?

2. What is the length of the lease at these premises?

3. What is the total cost of operating the Elizabeth centre?

4. How many jobs have been created for people who have visited the centre?

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) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his very sensible question. It stands in stark contrast to the questions asked by his colleague, and I acknowledge his strong interest in the future of the northern Adelaide region, as a strong advocate (often) for that area, in stark contrast to his colleague's questions, wanting the state government to abandon the people of the south, so I thank the honourable member for his question.

In relation to the Automotive Workers in Transition Program, I do not have a breakdown for the two centres but I will go away and see if that can be done, but I am very pleased to inform the honourable member that, as of 25 October this year, 3,010 individuals have attended information sessions for the Automotive Workers in Transition Program, resulting in 1,181 registrations, is my advice. Some 711 individuals have been supported to access career advice and transition services, and there have been 321 activities for training tickets and/or licences approved.

I know the Automotive Transformation Taskforce is working their way through—I think and if I am wrong I will come back with the correct answer—74 Tier 1 and Tier 2 supply chain companies, both in the north and the south, and some in the west of Adelaide, to make sure all workers are aware of what services are on offer.

It is a big task to get out to all of these companies and, of course, these companies vary in size, in complexity and in their willingness to engage with government, but the task force is doing everything it can to make sure that people are aware of the services that are provided. In relation to specifics about a lease on a building, I do not have those with me but I am more than prepared to find the answer for the honourable member, who is very genuine in his interest in this area.