Woolworths

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:48): A further supplementary: what representations has the government made to Woolworths to try to avert any store closures in South Australia?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:48): The honourable member's failed attempt at his first question was in relation to workers. The second attempt at a question was in relation to store closures. In relation to the first attempted supplementary question which was in relation to assistance for workers, we note, as I have just indicated, as I did yesterday, the clear statements by the company that they would work with all individual employees over the next two years—and this is something that is not happening today, it's going to happen in 2021—to try to find alternative employment opportunities.

If there is any evidence that they are not doing that, then that will be an opportunity for the government of the day to take up what would be a breach of an undertaking that they have given to the union and publicly at the time of this particular announcement. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we will take the company at its word in relation to the undertaking it has given to the union and to its workers and to the community. Unless there's evidence to the contrary, we will work on that premise.