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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-11-08 Daily Xml
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BUSINESS PORTFOLIO

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Industry and Trade. Will the minister advise the house on how the new business portfolio will advantage South Australia?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:05): Thank you, Madam Speaker—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for this important question. Our economy is at an exciting turning point in the state's history. We are looking at the prospect of sustained strong growth, with our exports growth outperforming the national economy over the coming years. With 18 major mines currently approved and a further 30 in the pipeline, South Australia is highly regarded as a global destination to explore and invest.

As the resource sector continues to rapidly expand it is critical that we ensure other areas of our economy benefit from this growth. This government is committed to having a successful manufacturing industry as an important element to a strong and diversified economy. As members may be aware, a new department has been created to facilitate linkages between mining, manufacturing, innovation, energy and trade.

The Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade and Resources will bring all these elements together to help prepare South Australia for the global transformation of the manufacturing, mining and energy industries. With a raft of new mining operations about to come online, this government is confident that there will be significant opportunities for the resources, services and technology sector.

That is why this government is focusing on the value chain development to ensure that the state captures maximum benefits from the mining expansion by local services, businesses and residents. This government is committed to continual research, innovation and change that will ensure high-value manufacturing continues to be one of our state's primary economic contributors for years to come. To this end, we have already announced the development of a new manufacturing strategy to guide future policy directions and strategies.

This manufacturing strategy will utilise stakeholder consultation to help develop a policy that ensures this state is aware of and prepared for the global transformation of the manufacturing industry. This portfolio will ensure that South Australia takes advantage of our resources growth by fostering local participation in the sector and expanding our innovation and research capability, positively influencing our economic value creation.

The department will be led by Geoff Knight as chief executive, with Lance Worrall as deputy chief executive—two very competent and hard working men. I look forward to the future success of this new department as it delivers sound economic growth for years to come.

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