Answers to Questions

South Australian Tourism Commission

1 The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (9 May 2018). In relation to the decision to award a new contract for the provision of creative services to the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) to an interstate firm:

1. On what date and in what form was the minister first made aware of the intention to award a new contract to an interstate firm?

2. How did the minister communicate the decision to others in government, including the Premier or anyone in the Premier's office?

3. Did the decision require approval from the minister?

4. What was the value of the new contract?

5. Was the value of the new contract above the figure set out in Treasurer's Instructions allowing an agency to approve the contract?

6. Did the minister sign or note any briefing or document related to the decision?

7. If the minister signed or noted any briefing or document to the decision, what was the date it was signed or noted?

8. What were the names and positions of the people attending the meeting held on Monday 30 April 2018 to discuss the new contract?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment):

1. My office received a briefing note from the SATC on Wednesday, April 18^th. I read that briefing note some time over the next 36 hours.

2. I verbally advised the Premier's office

3. The decision resulted from a procurement process initiated under the former government for which the SATC required the approval of the State Procurement Board. As the Premier advised the House of Assembly on 3 May 2018, this government is not in the business of overturning the outcome of a tendering process initiated by an independent authority requiring companies to invest significant funds to participate.

4. The total value of the procurement is estimated at $2.5 million per year for four years, based on the SATC's budget and historical spend across this category of services. The successful primary agency, TBWA has committed where possible to use South Australian based production houses and other specialist providers, when selecting appropriate production partners. TBWA will also open an office in South Australia, and is currently reviewing locations.

5. Yes.

6. I noted and signed the briefing note.

7. It was signed on 7 May.

8.

Hon Steven Marshall MP—Premier of South Australia;

Hon David Ridgway MLC—Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment;

Mr Sean Keenihan—Chair, SATC Board; and

Rodney Harrex—CE SATC.