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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-07-06 Daily Xml
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EXPORTS

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:50): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr SIBBONS: Can the minister please inform the house on how South Australian exports are faring in the current economic climate?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services) (15:50): I thank the honourable member for his question. I also note his keen interest in exports. I am pleased to report to the house that in the 12 months to May 2011, the value of South Australia's overseas goods exports totalled $11 billion; the highest figure in this state's history, an increase of 38 per cent on the previous 12 months.

I understand that whenever our exports go up, a little part of the members opposite dies inside, but South Australia, again, has the second highest growth rate in the nation, just 2 per cent behind Western Australia. Our state dramatically outclassed the national average by 12 percentage points.

I think it is important to note that these results have come despite the high Australian dollar, which has consistently been above parity. Combine this with poor economic conditions around the world, in particular in Europe, and there is no doubting that our exporters are doing a fantastic job. The total value of South Australian exports continues to be supported by growth in the value of wheat, metal ores and refined copper. Compared to the same time last year, wheat is up more than $1 billion, a 251 per cent increase.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Bragg!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Congratulations to South Australia's farmers. Metal ores and scrap metal are up $706 million, a 59 per cent increase, and copper is up $673 million, a 110 per cent increase. The increase in our metal exports is thanks to this government's approach of backing the mining industry. We have grown from four mines to 16 in the life of this government and we have more than 30 projects in the pipeline.

The opposition is constantly saying, 'When are we going to see the benefits of mining investment?' As much as it pains them to hear this, a record level of exports is thanks to the rapidly increasing mining exports. Our farmers must also be congratulated for a record—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —10.2 million tonne grain harvest, which is reaping its rewards in the export market. Furthermore, the latest figures also justify our targeted—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The members on my left will be quiet. I cannot hear the minister.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —export programs in India and China. In the year to May 2011, exports to China were up $980 million, an 85 per cent increase on last year. Exports to India were also up $299 million, a 63 per cent increase on the previous year.

To the member for Waite's credit, he accepts that China and India are key markets. However, he has questioned our strategy. He has questioned why we have both special envoys and trade offices in India and China and whether this approach is necessary. My answer to the member for Waite is that there are 1.3 billion reasons why we take this approach.

This government continues to be active in assisting South Australian businesses to access trade opportunities in emerging overseas markets. I am confident that, with our $1 million Gateway Business Program that assists emerging exporters and our new $1 million two-year export partnership with Business SA, our exporters will have a fantastic support in entering the global market. This government looks forward to continued export growth as the state keeps moving ahead at a rate of knots.

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