Roadworks, Small Business Impact

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:20): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment representing the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government. On 30 October this year, the Small Business Commissioner released a document, titled Open to Business—Making Roadworks Work, outlining guidelines for local and state government to follow regarding how to manage the impacts of roadworks on small businesses. Can the minister provide information on how the government will be responding to this document? What changes, if any, will be made to departmental processes in dealing with small businesses affected by the construction of roadworks?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for his question in relation to the report that I think was released by the Small Business Commissioner. I was on a select committee with the honourable member before the last election, in relation to land acquisition and the impact that roadworks have on small businesses, whether they are big bits of infrastructure like South Road or even just upgrades as we have seen on King William Road with local government. The actual repaving and renovating of that particular street has had an impact on small businesses. So it really does fall into the responsibility of the minister for transport, planning and infrastructure, and I will be delighted to refer the question to him and bring back a reply.

The PRESIDENT: The time for questions without notice has expired, but I am going to give the call to the Hon. Mr Wade for him to provide further information to an answer.