Question Time

Bedford

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:05): I seek leave to make an explanation before addressing questions to the Deputy Premier regarding the administration of Bedford and creditors.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I note that the Deputy Premier has publicly stated that Bedford's newly appointed administrators 'have a way to go' before the position of creditors is understood. This is while McGrathNicol has advised it is too early to say whether any funds will be made available for unsecured creditors, many of whom are South Australian small businesses reporting losses in tens of thousands of dollars after Bedford fell into financial difficulty. I think we all welcome the fact that more than a thousand supported employees will retain their jobs for now under The Disability Trust. The uncertainty facing creditors is unresolved. My questions to the Attorney are:

1. Given his statements, what specific advice has the government received regarding the likely return to unsecured creditors?

2. What briefings has the government received on the number of South Australian businesses exposed to financial loss?

3. What assurances, if any, has the government sought from McGrathNicol or the commonwealth government regarding the treatment of creditors?

4. Will the Deputy Premier commit to providing parliament and the public with regular updates on the impact of the administration on creditors?

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Will the Deputy Premier commit to providing public information in the form of regular updates on the impact of the administration on creditors?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for her question. I know her deep interest in this area, having held portfolio areas that touch very closely on these matters. Certainly, it does not fall within my portfolio responsibilities, but I do know that others—I think it was the Premier and the Minister for Human Services, the Hon. Nat Cook—were at Bedford a couple of weeks ago to announce what between the state and federal governments had been able to be accomplished to keep Bedford as a going concern.

I know from reports from the ministers who were there the level of gratitude from those who were in the room and the greater community who have relied on Bedford to provide the dignity that jobs provide to people. I think this was a pretty unique case in terms of that organisation, its place in South Australia and what it has meant to many individuals and families in South Australia. I think it is a wholly good thing that there was able to be support and intervention from both the state government and the federal government.

In relation to other matters to do with levels of creditors, I am not aware, but I will check. I will bring back a change if I am wrong, but I do not think the first creditor meeting has occurred yet. I think that is to come in the coming weeks. I am happy to see what information there is that I can provide in relation to that as it develops.