South Australian Museum

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.A. Franks:

That the transcript of evidence taken by the Budget and Finance Committee at its meeting on 3 April 2024 from the South Australian Museum and attached supplementals tabled in the council on Tuesday 26 November 2024 be referred to the Statutory Authorities Review Committee for its consideration.

(Continued from 27 November 2024.)

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (17:22): I rise to speak on behalf of the government in support of the honourable member's motion. As honourable members are no doubt aware, the proposed restructure of the South Australian Museum was put on hold and was the subject of a Premier's review to examine the options for the Museum going forward. Following the establishment of this review, the Hon. Tammy Franks moved to establish the Statutory Authorities Review Committee inquiry. The committee, chaired by the Hon. Justin Hanson, has been taking evidence from stakeholders, including the former chair and director of the Museum.

The Premier's review has now concluded. Its membership drew on the expertise of the South Australian Chief Scientist, Professor Craig Simmons, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Museum, Dr Jim Thompson PSM. The Premier and the Minister for Arts met with several interested parties concerned about proposed changes to the Museum, including the then chair of the Museum Board, Kim Cheater, and the then chief executive, Dr David Gaimster.

Following these discussions, the Premier and the minister decided it was in the best interests of public trust in the institution to pause the restructure. Upon conclusion of the review in September 2024, the panel handed down a report with six recommendations highlighting key opportunities to enhance the Museum's effectiveness in delivering high quality outcomes for South Australians and visitors. The proposed changes and restructure of the Museum that prompted the review have been withdrawn, and no organisational changes will be proposed until the recommendations have been implemented. The six recommendations were:

1. Cease all proposed changes;

2. Develop a new strategic vision and plan;

3. Develop a research strategy and explore sustainable research models;

4. Develop a collections management plan;

5. Investigate financial and commercial opportunities; and

6. Conduct an asset management and infrastructure study.

The Museum is incredibly important to the people of South Australia, and the Museum Board is focused on delivering the recommendations made by the Premier's review panel.

It should be noted that the Malinauskas government has made significant investments in arts and culture in our state, with an additional investment of $144 million in the arts and cultural sector made by this government in this term so far. This is a government that supports South Australia's arts and cultural sector. I commend the motion to the chamber.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:25): I thank the Hon. Mira El Dannawi for her contribution and the support from the government. At the request of the Hon. Tammy Franks and on her behalf, I will make a brief contribution and then bring this motion to a vote.

As stated by the Hon. Ms Franks in this place upon moving this motion, it is a simple proposition. The transcript of evidence taken by the Budget and Finance Committee from the South Australian Museum would be useful to the Statutory Authorities Review Committee's current inquiry into the South Australian Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia. As such, this motion will refer the transcript of the Budget and Finance Committee to SARC for its consideration. With that, I commend the motion to the chamber.

Motion carried.