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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-05-05 Daily Xml
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SOUTH EAST SOUTH AUSTRALIA INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT FUND

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services) (14:06): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: As many members of the house are aware, on 25 January 2011, manufacturing company Kimberly-Clark Australia (KCA) announced it would be cutting jobs from its Millicent and Tantanoola plants. While both state and federal governments were disappointed to hear this move by KCA, the company was adamant there was nothing that could have been done to reverse the decision.

Following the announcement, the state and federal governments acted swiftly to ensure that workers at the factory would be supported and investment in the state's South-East remained. A $17 million package to support new investment and create long-term jobs in South Australia's South-East was established. It was named the South East South Australia Innovation Investment Fund (SESAIIF).

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Every time we help workers, a little part of you dies.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Norwood!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Today I am pleased to announce that, in conjunction with the commonwealth government, the fund has now officially been launched and is available through a grants program. This fund will not only offer support to those directly and indirectly affected by the job losses, but it also aims to attract new companies, opportunities and jobs in the South-East.

This government is strongly committed to supporting manufacturing in regional South Australia. We will not stand idly by and see families and communities struggle through circumstances—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for MacKillop and the Leader of the Opposition! You are making too much noise.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: This government is strongly committed to supporting manufacturing in regional South Australia. We will not stand idly by and see families and communities struggle through circumstances beyond their control. The $17 million fund includes $5 million for a labour adjustment program which involves skill assessment and reskilling workers.

I know that the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education is committed to this project and I commend him for his efforts so far. Key elements of the labour adjustment program include resume and job search assistance, career advice, training in part or full qualifications, and other funded training such as licences and tickets. The remaining $12 million will be awarded to projects that will bolster the local economy, stimulate industry innovation and generate jobs growth in the South-East.

The fund work in a similar fashion to the successful $30 million South Australia Innovation Investment Fund (SAIIF) which was created following the closure of the Mitsubishi plant. The South East SAIIF will be available over the 2011-12 to 2012-13 financial years and will be delivered through AusIndustry. Advertisements in local media will advise of information sessions to be held.

The economic prosperity of South Australia is all about increasing jobs, and it is very important to increase jobs and activity in regional South Australia, in particular the South-East. While we are doing all we can to help, I want to encourage employers in the South-East who are thinking of expanding to give KCA workers a go.

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