Metricon

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General, representing the Treasurer in another place, a question about financial exposure.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: It has been reported today that the country's largest homebuilder, Metricon, is in crisis talks with the Victorian government over $195 million worth of social housing contracts it has with the company. The talks come amid soaring costs in the building industry and claims the company is in financial troubles and follow the sudden and unexpected death of Metricon's co-founder and chief executive officer, Mario Biasin, earlier this week.

According to Metricon's website, it builds homes across South Australia and has nine display home locations across the Adelaide metropolitan area and the Hills. My question to the Treasurer is:

1. Does the state government have any contracts with Metricon?

2. If so, what is the value of those contracts and what are the contracts for?

3. Has the government been approached by Metricon to be updated on the financial viability of its business or has the government approached Metricon for reassurances after learning of its woes?

4. If it does have contracts with Metricon, what financial exposure does the government face should the company collapse?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his important questions and I will refer them to a minister in another place and bring back a reply.