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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-05-27 Daily Xml
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FAMILY BUSINESSES

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Can the minister update the house on the achievements of family businesses in South Australia and what support the government has provided to family business?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling) (15:02): I thank the member for Reynell for this question and I really appreciate her interest in small family businesses, as I am sure members opposite do.

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Wow; that is really impressive. The government recognises the important role that family businesses play in contributing to the overall health of the South Australian economy. At the recent Family Business of the Year awards, recognition was given to a number of family businesses who exemplify the spirit of family-owned and oriented enterprises. These awards are conducted annually by the South Australian Chapter of Family Business Australia and were created to enable family businesses to benchmark themselves against a set of criteria identified as the most important characteristics of a successful family business.

Awards are given in the categories of first, second and third generation, and fourth generation or more. The peacock has returned! The first generation winner was Seeley International. Seeley International was founded by Frank Seeley AM in his garage in 1972. Family members joined the company over time, relieving Frank and his wife, Kathy, from holding nearly every position in the company. Today, Seeley International is the largest air conditioning manufacturer in Australia. The company is a global leader in the development and commercialisation of energy efficient climate-control appliances. Seeley International exports to more than 110 countries and has sales offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

This year, no award was given to the second generation category. However, the winner of the third generation Family Business of the Year award was Rossi Boots. Rossi Boots is an iconic South Australian brand—

Mr Williams interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Absolutely; but I can count past three—with a product range that includes boots for work safety, bushwalking, hospitality—

The Hon. I.F. Evans interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The member for Davenport, my favourite loser.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I cannot hear the minister.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Have you ever won a ballot in your own party? Have you ever one a single ballot, one ballot?

The Hon. I.F. Evans interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: In 2006.

The Hon. P.F. Conlon interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: That's right.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order: 98 and 141.

The SPEAKER: Yes, I uphold that point of order. Minister, could you return to your response?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: My deepest apologies. The year 2010 marks Rossi Boots' centenary, with notable achievements including their growth during both world wars and surviving the Great Depression, with a great note in that they did not retrench a single employee during the Great Depression. Established in 1910 by Arthur Edward Rossiter, today the company is run by third generation Dean Rossiter, who is the chief executive. He is supported by other third and fourth generation family members on the board and a loyal workforce and family shareholder group.

The winner of the 4th Generation and Beyond category was Bone Timber. Bone Timber is a fifth generation business that has enjoyed a successful working relationship with building industry over the past 90 years. It is most proud of its reputation as a supplier of the best quality fit-for-purpose timber products in South Australian, which are extensively researched and responsibly sourced both locally and from around the world. Founded by George J. Bone and Stanley Bone, the company is now run by fifth generation Andrew Bone, who is the managing director.

All three award winners qualify for the national awards to be announced at the FBA national conference to be held in September. I am sure the peacock will be there in full flight. I am sure that all members of the house will watch with interest to see how our fine South Australian family-owned businesses fare at the national awards.

The government has been actively supporting family businesses since coming to office. I remind the house that in 2007 the Thinkers in Residence program invited international family business expert Dr Dennis Jaffe to South Australia. His task was to examine the status of family businesses and outline what measures could be introduced to help them grow and succeed. Of course, the Thinkers in Residence program was to be abolished by the Leader of the Opposition had she been successful in running a decent marginal seat campaign, which she failed to do.

As a result of Dr Jaffe's report, a family business subcommittee reporting to the Minister for Small Business (which is me) through the Business Development Council was established. In addition, as part of Dr Jaffe's recommendations, the Department of Trade and Economic Development appointed a family business development manager to coordinate a range of activities.

I ask all members to join me in congratulating each of the family business award winners this year and thank them for their important and unique contribution to our South Australia economy.

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