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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-05-07 Daily Xml
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Premier's Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland) (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Can the minister inform the house about the outcome of the Premier's Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Automotive Transformation) (14:46): Mr Speaker, I understand that it is traditional to congratulate the Speaker on his re-election. Last night it was an honour to present the awards at the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Annual Resources Industry Dinner—its night of nights. I was pleased to see members of the opposition there last night: the member for Flinders, the member for Hammond and, of course, the shadow minister was there.

These awards acknowledge and celebrate companies that contribute not just economically but socially to South Australia's local, regional and statewide communities. This government is committed to delivering benefits from mining for all South Australians. Many in this place have heard of the significant growth in the resources sector under the stewardship of this government. The bipartisan approach to growing our state's resources sector for the benefit of all South Australians has seen much success.

Combined, the South Australian minerals and petroleum sectors have produced a record production of $6.9 billion. That compares to about $1.6 billion a decade ago. The $6.9 billion in production value is also a considerable step up from the $6.2 billion in 2012. It is a tremendous progression. However, monetary output is not the only expression of this sector's success. The Premier's awards provide a fitting platform to recognise companies that are digging deeper.

This year's entries showcased an impressive range of initiatives contributing economically, socially and environmentally to the South Australian community. The fourth year of the Premier's awards saw a growing number of entrants with 18 entrants from 13 companies. The 2014 Premier's Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy produced winners in four categories. The first one is very close to my heart because I was the corrections minister when we started this program, and that is Excellence in Social Inclusion. BHP Billiton's Prisoner Reintegration Employment Opportunities (PREOP) stood out as a bold initiative. The program has brought about life-changing opportunities for participants and has had a remarkable success rate since BHP Billiton implemented it in 2009.

Another category, Excellence in Supporting Communities, was awarded to IMX Resources. IMX Resources has made a major contribution to life in Coober Pedy by providing financial incentives to fly-in fly-out workers to settle in the town of Coober Pedy, bolstering the community's local economic viability. The next one—and as a father of two daughters a very important award for me—was the Excellence in Leadership—Women in Resources, and that went to Thiess. Thiess has implemented a broad range of initiatives to support the potential of women at all levels in its workforce and included the company's Women in Mining Strategic Plan which addressed the needs of women to progress their mining careers and achieve equality.

Of course, environmental excellence was awarded to Iluka Resources, recognised for its Pro-Activity-Beyond Compliance initiative and research work. That research work involves collaboration with the Adelaide Botanic Garden and local universities on Iluka's rehabilitation activities.

All the winners and applicants showcased their substantial and lasting impacts on our resources sector, and it is shaping our state's social landscape. There are a number of licences that companies apply for, and one that this parliament cannot grant—that is, their social licence to operate—and these companies are exemplars of what South Australian companies are doing to gain their social licence to operate.

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