Trade Mission Calendar

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:26): Supplementary: the minister has answered similar questions, talking about 'in development' and now it is 'being finalised'. Can we have a date, because how can South Australian businesses attend these missions if there is insufficient notice given? Just a date. When will it be?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:26): There have been strong discussions with business. We have been in deep consultation with business around the activities because, unlike members opposite when they were in government, we actually talk to business. We have been out there talking to the food sector, the wine sector, the red meat sector—all of the sectors—about the areas of interest they have.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: That's not one thing they have said. I know I shouldn't respond to interjections but—

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Bring back Marty. A man of action. He published dates, he did. That's what they're saying.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: That's about all he did do was publish dates. I won't be distracted by interjections around the former member for Waite and the man who hands out business cards that say 'former minister' for a whole range of things as well.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Hold on. What does he put on his business cards, Ridgy?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I won't be distracted by that.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Something about a minister on a business card?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: You should not mislead parliament. We sat down with business groups to find out when they want to go and the markets they want to go into, and we are still just finalising that final program. It is not about publishing a calendar for the members opposite; it's talking to the businesses and the business community. But clearly there will be some activities early next year and we will announce that in the near future.