Qantas Pilot Training Academy

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:14): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, the Hon. Rob Lucas, or, I imagine, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon. David Ridgway, or the Minister for Regional Development—

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Pangallo, you really have to ask the question of a specific minister. So can you make a decision which one you want to respond to your question?

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: I will ask it of the Treasurer. I will start again. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Leader of the Government, Rob Lucas, about the Qantas pilot training academy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: Earlier this year, Australia's premier airline, Qantas, announced plans to open a new pilot academy capable of training up to 500 pilots a year, preferably near an existing regional airfield to provide easy access to uncongested airspace. Qantas said it expected to open the academy next year and that it will initially invest up to $20 million to establish the new facility. During the election campaign, SA-Best said it would initiate immediate discussions with Qantas to lure its world-class pilot training program to regional South Australia, with the possibility of creating up to 380 jobs.

The closing date for submissions is 8 June, after which a shortlist will be announced before a final decision on the location is made this year. My question to the minister is:

1. Has the South Australian government prepared a submission to Qantas to establish its pilot academy in regional South Australia and/or does it intend to do so before the deadline?

2. If so, what regional city is the preferred site, and have the South Australian government and taxpayers offered the company a financial incentive to do so?

3. If so, how much, and what will be the benefits for the state?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:16): I am delighted to take the question and refer the detail of the question to my colleague the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. My understanding is that his agency is the agency that has been involved in the discussions with Qantas in relation to the particular issue the Hon. Mr Pangallo has referred to. I am aware there have been some discussions, but the nature of those discussions is a matter for the minister and the officers who advise him.

My understanding is that the possible locations Qantas might be interested in are more likely to be areas where there are currently Qantas flights. That's not just in South Australia but obviously in other states as well. I think to anyone who knows anything about regional South Australia, it would be evident which particular locations they might be interested in in South Australia, but equally I suspect the same criterion would be applied to other states and territories as well. In relation to the actual nature of the negotiations and the discussions, I will refer that particular issue to my colleague and bring back a reply.