Regional Employment

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Regional Development about regional jobs in Port Pirie.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: As reported by the ABC News on 28 March, significant community concerns have been raised in Port Pirie following the announcement by Trafigura, owner of the smelter operator Nyrstar Australia, that it is reviewing its Australian operations. Its chief executive described the current operations as uneconomical, placing approximately 800 jobs and 200 contractor positions at risk in Port Pirie. Local residents and businesses fear devastating economic and social impacts, with many expressing concerns that Port Pirie could become a ghost town should the smelter close. My questions to the minister are:

1. What actions will the South Australian government undertake in response to the review of Nyrstar's operation to safeguard local and regional jobs and protect the economic future of Port Pirie?

2. What specific support would the government offer to mitigate the risk of Port Pirie becoming economically and socially disadvantaged should the smelter operation significantly reduce or close?

3. Given the strategic importance of maintaining sovereign manufacturing capabilities in South Australia, what broader measures would the government implement to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the critical industries and regional communities of Port Pirie as well as across the state?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for her question. As outlined in her question, at this stage what has been announced is a review of operations. I think it's fair to say that the Malinauskas Labor government has certainly shown its credentials in terms of supporting South Australian businesses. The Premier has referred frequently to a number of independent measures that have indicated South Australia's strength in this area. When it comes to opportunities to either strengthen industries or support them in other ways, we of course will look at those opportunities as they arise.