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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-10-29 Daily Xml
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TUNA INDUSTRY

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about compensation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER: We were all disturbed to learn a few days ago about the imminent closure of Bridgestone Tyres and grateful to hear the immediate announcement of compensation packages, which are similar to those that were offered to Mitsubishi workers, for those who have lost their job as a result of the closure of Bridgestone.

A few days later, we learnt that the tuna industry, which employs directly some 150 people, is to have its quota cut by 25 per cent over two years. The tuna industry is, of course, centred very much around Port Lincoln and is responsible for several hundred million dollars of income into South Australia. Mr Steve Prout, the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Port Lincoln, had this to say:

It's not just the actual industry itself, that those who work in it but also the ancillary trade; the truck drivers, the freight companies, the electricians, the plumbers, refrigeration mechanics, all those sorts of people who are directly affected by the industry. So, yeah, [we are] totally devastated.

My question is: given the government's generosity and immediate response to those who, through no fault of their own, have lost their job as a result of the closure of Bridgestone, what processes are in place to assist those who find themselves in the same position because of the tuna industry restructure?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:03): I am aware of recent press reports that indicate that the commonwealth government has been looking at this issue. Obviously, a decision was made to cut Australia's quota, but presumably that will take some time to have an effect. The federal government, which has been party to the discussions by the international body which sets these quotas, has been looking at this issue and, obviously, this state government will monitor that process. However, the impact of the cut in quota may take some time to have an effect. I presume that the new quotas will apply next season, but I do not have any particular information on that matter. It is obviously a matter for my colleague, and I will certainly forward the question to him.

However, what I should say is that this government has recently approved the development within Port Lincoln of a bulk ore loader to enable the Centrex mine at Wilgerup on Eyre Peninsula to proceed, and that will provide not just some additional jobs particularly around the mine but also within Port Lincoln itself and will also provide a significant injection, during the construction phase of that particular loading facility.

I was somewhat disappointed, I have to say, that the local member opposite attacked the government in relation to that proposal. I would have thought that, particularly at this time, any economic development that improves the economic competitiveness of that region would be warmly welcomed. It is interesting, too, that in a recent press statement the Leader of the Opposition in another place proposes to dedicate a certain proportion of mining royalties to regional areas.

I think it is a great pity that the Leader of the Opposition in another place does not support the government in these sorts of ventures. Perhaps, rather than trying to distribute the cake, she should help us grow the cake so that there will be more for everyone. That would be a far better and productive activity. It is typical that Mrs Redmond would say, 'Okay, look, we'll give $40 million, or thereabouts, to regional development. We'll do this notional division of what is taken in mining royalties'. It would be much better if she supported the government instead of having members of her party attack government decisions that seek to grow that royalty revenue that will mean more money for all South Australians.

To come back to the matter, the tuna industry is very important for South Australia. Obviously, the impacts of this decision will flow through. I am aware that the commonwealth government is looking at the question of compensation, as it should. As I said, I will refer that question to my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in another place because he may have some more information on what talks might be involved with the commonwealth government about this matter. I imagine that, as this decision progressively takes effect (which, as I said, may take some time), obviously there will be an impact on it. At least I hope that the steps this government has taken to grow other industries within the Eyre Peninsula region will provide new job opportunities in that area.

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