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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-12-01 Daily Xml
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OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:14): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The successful passage of the Roxby Downs Indenture Amendment Bill 2011 is a momentous occasion for all South Australians. I know that future generations of this state will look back on this time as the time when South Australia changed forever. It will see 2011 marked in our history as the year we took our rightful place amongst the giants of mining. The Olympic Dam expansion is truly a transformational project. As the world's largest open cut mine, the fourth largest copper resource, fourth largest gold resource, and by far the largest known uranium resource, this project provides an unparalleled opportunity to unlock unprecedented economic prosperity for this state. It will unlock opportunities for all South Australians.

I acknowledge the Premier, the Hon. Jay Weatherill, for his foresight in establishing my new department, the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy, that will focus on value chain development to ensure that the state captures maximum benefits not only from the project but also from all resource developments in our state. My department will work to 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.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The indenture provides the basis for the benefits which are expected to accrue to the South Australian economy and our community. This includes royalty payments, increased workforce participation and development, local supplier participation, Aboriginal economic development and, of course, regional development. It is important, however, to note that such an expansion does not happen overnight and the government will still look to the BHP Billiton Board to make a timely decision on the necessary approval. The ball is definitely now in their court.

As we all know, there has been a long and diligent process to get to this point in the expansion. With the passage of this bill through both houses, we have seen the combination of hours of hard work from a large group of talented people. I would like to take the opportunity to thank many of the key people who have provided tireless support to the government and members of this place in realising the passage of the bill. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the former premier, Hon. Mike Rann, for his leadership and, of course, the former minister assisting the premier with the Olympic Dam Expansion Project, the Hon. Kevin Foley, for the many hours that they have spent together working to deliver this indenture to the people of South Australia. I also take the opportunity to pay tribute—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —to my predecessor the Hon. Paul Holloway, one of the parents of modern day mining in South Australia. His efforts at championing the sector have seen South Australia's mineral resources industry grow into a strong and vibrant sector within a world-class regulatory environment. All of these men embraced this project at an early stage and they fought hard to see it realised, and we thank them.

They were more than ably assisted through this six-year process by Bruce Carter and the conscientious team at the Olympic Dam Taskforce led by Dr Paul Heithersay and his predecessor Mr Paul Case. That taskforce over time comprised specialist public servants seconded from other agencies, all of whom have worked diligently on securing a good deal for this state. I would also like to highlight the work of Gaby Jaksa, Pam Martin and Tom Finlay from the Crown Solicitor's Office in providing legal advice to the negotiating team; Sally Smith from the former department of planning and local government who played a key role in coordinating the assessment report on the final EIS; and the support provided to her by Robert Kleeman.

I further acknowledge the hard work and efforts of Associate Professor Rob Thomas, the Chief Scientific Adviser to the taskforce, Peter Bradshaw, Sam Walker, Helen Thomas, Lachlan Kinnear, Margot Gall, Nicki Crawford, Stacey Dix and Raelene Darwin. I would also like to thank parliamentary counsel, members of the select committee, and the many departmental and ministerial advisers who have supported the passage of this bill, including Peter Dolan, Phil Hazell and Andrew Solomon of the Environment Protection Authority, as well as Ben Bruce and Neil Power of the Department for Water. I would also like to thank my ministerial staff, especially the tireless work of my Chief of Staff, Mr Robert Malinauskas.

It is, of course, important to remember that it takes two to tango, so I would like acknowledge the efforts and good work provided by the team at BHP Billiton, from Chief Executive, Marius Kloppers, to Group Executive and Chief Executive Non-Ferrous, Andrew Mackenzie; and Dean Dalla Valle, the President of the Uranium Group, and his predecessor Graeme Hunt. I also use this opportunity to thank the opposition, the minor parties and Independents for their contributions. In particular, the Leader of the Opposition, Isobel Redmond, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mitch Williams, as they have worked in an extremely cooperative—

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am thanking the opposition, and I notice that is the only time they will be quiet. I will start again.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my left, I do not know what you been up to but please be quiet. I cannot hear the minister.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: They have all worked in an extremely corporative and collaborative way with the government and provided the bipartisan support a major project such as this needs and warrants. I also acknowledge the Hon. Roger Goldsworthy for his efforts in seeking the passage of the original indenture and—

Mr Pisoni: Norm Foster.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —Norman Foster for his decision that made the project possible. To anyone else I have inadvertently overlooked, I extend my thanks to you also. All South Australians, other than the member for Bragg, should feel a great sense of pride—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I'm joking—about how this parliament demonstrated to the world that South Australia is professional, open and accessible to investments of this scale. It is a very proud achievement for this government, and it is a great time to be a South Australian.

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