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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
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ECONOMIC AND FINANCE COMMITTEE: ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12

The Hon. L.R. BREUER (Giles) (11:53): As the member for Lee is no longer the chair of the committee, I move:

That the 78th report of the committee, entitled Annual Report 2011-12, be noted.

The annual report of the Economic and Finance Committee details the three reports tabled by the committee, the numerous statutory functions performed by the committee and the ongoing inquiry references during the past reporting period. Before detailing the work of the committee, I take this opportunity to thank both the current and former members of the Economic and Finance Committee who contributed to the work of the committee throughout the past reporting period. On behalf of the committee, I also take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the organisations, agencies and individuals that submitted evidence to the committee during the past reporting period.

In July 2011, the committee tabled its supplementary report into franchises. This inquiry sought submissions in relation to whether changes made to the Franchising Code of Conduct addressed the committee's recommendations in its previous inquiry into franchises in 2008. The committee received over 70 submissions and heard oral evidence in the inquiry. The committee found that 21 out of its 26 recommendations from the 2008 committee report had not been acted upon. It also found, however, that positive changes had been made to the regulatory regime. On 15 September 2011 the committee resolved to conduct an inquiry into the workforce and education participation. The committee received 15 written submissions in this inquiry and is in the process of finalising the inquiry.

Of particular interest, the committee undertook a two-day visit to the Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North region in May 2012. The committee was accompanied by the member for Goyder and also by Regional Development Australia staff. The committee attended businesses, local councils, a processing plant and a mine in locations including Balaklava, Kadina, Wallaroo, Maitland and Ardrossan. The committee also received briefings on the current copper-gold exploration and on a proposed wind farm project, both located in the Ardrossan area. The members found the visit to be very informative, especially in relation to the issues being confronted by those businesses and council areas striving to grow in regional South Australia. A report detailing this site visit is included in the committee's annual report.

In June 2012 the committee heard evidence and tabled its report into the 2012-13 emergency services levy, thus performing its duty to review the determinations made in respect of the levy for each financial year. As was reported to the house in June 2012, there will be no increase in levy rates for owners of either fixed properties or motor vehicles and vessels in 2012-13. The committee also noted in this report that the total expenditure on emergency services for 2012-13 is projected to be $233.4 million, and that total expenditure for 2011-12 is expected to be brought in line with the original budget estimate.

The Economic and Finance Committee further continued its work of reviewing passenger transport contract tenders under its obligations outlined in section 39 of the Passenger Transport Act 1994 in the reporting period. Tenders reviewed by the committee included a number of regional passenger transport services, and representatives from the department of education and children's services were invited before the committee in relation to school bus contracts.

Other statutory functions performed by the committee during the reporting period included receiving evidence from the Office of Recreation and Sport in relation to the sport and recreation fund, and receiving evidence from the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner. The committee also met with the Auditor-General on two occasions in relation to his annual report.

In May 2012 the previous presiding member (Hon. Michael Wright), the member for Norwood and the executive officer attended the Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committee's mid-term conference in Canberra. Along with discussing matters of interest with members of other public accounts committees in Australia and New Zealand, guest speakers at the conference included the commonwealth Auditor-General Mr Ian McPhee. The former chair presented to the conference, on behalf of the Economic and Finance Committee, in relation to the committee's recent events.

Finally, I acknowledge and thank the staff of the Economic and Finance Committee over the reporting period, including the former executive officer, Dr Paul Lobban, the current executive officer, Mrs Lisa Baxter, our part-time research officer, Ms Suzie Barber, and the committee's administrative officer, Ms Janine Roberts. I recommend the report to the house.

Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (11:59): As a member of the Economic and Finance Committee I rise in support of the member for Giles. I have only returned to the committee relatively recently—in the last few months. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the committee for the majority of my last seven years in this place. It is obvious to me that while there are differences of opinion sometimes, one common effort is being made by all members.

I commend the 2011-12 report to the parliament. The franchising issue about which the member for Giles spoke was quite complex. You had to understand it to appreciate the nuances involved in the issue, as raised by the concerned people who were affected. It was dealt with in the debate on the small business commissioner bill and how important is to our economy. I commend the report to all members.

Motion carried.

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