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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-12-02 Daily Xml
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. With so much focus on the global economic downturn and its consequences for the Australian economy, is the minister aware of any local success stories or local businesses that continue to grow and support the South Australian economy?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:38): I thank the honourable member for his question. The South Australian economy is so far bearing up well in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and that is a testament to the state's strong financial position and the work undertaken by this government to realign our economy towards mineral resources development, defence and science industries, and education services. The confidence we are generating through our industry policies is allowing businesses to plan ahead, expand and invest for the future.

This was in evidence last month when I had the opportunity to take part in the opening of the new hot dip galvanising plant at Adelaide Galvanising in Cavan. The firm's new purpose-built premises house a new 9.5 metre galvanising kettle, which contains 360 tonnes of molten zinc. Adelaide Galvanising is a family affair launched by three brothers and their brother-in-law back in 1996. Two of the brothers departed to pursue other interests in the early years, but Tony Grantham and Stuart Nunn have persevered, building up the business from a single five metre galvanising kettle.

The business has grown from those simple beginnings, including expansion to include a larger, 7 metre kettle to handle much larger items. With the expansion of its capacity, the business has also been able to increase staff numbers and now employs 20 people in a new purpose built facility.

It is interesting to note and indeed a credit to both Tony Grantham and Stuart Nunn that, of the 20 employees, 10 have notched up more than 10 years service at the firm. The firm has also expanded its client base, originally specialising in coating gratings and roadside hardware. Adelaide Galvanising now handles products from a diverse range of clients and industries from agriculture in Mount Gambier to mining in Roxby Downs and fishing in Port Lincoln.

The larger kettle has greatly increased its capacity and ability to meet the needs of an ever expanding range of clientele. Working in partnership with the EPA, the Adelaide Galvanising plant is now at the leading edge of environmental and safety practices.

As the Minister for Small Business I am always pleased to acknowledge small business owners who have, through hard work and commitment, achieved a high level of success. Adelaide Galvanising is an excellent example of the sort of small business we wish to foster and encourage in this state. It is a business with a high regard for its staff and customers as well as for the environment. I am confident that Adelaide Galvanising will continue to serve industry in a way that benefits the local economy and provide jobs to South Australians.

That is just a snapshot of one family business that has taken a risk and invested in the future and is now reaping the benefits, and there are many more such success stories in South Australia. The government, through its commitment to small business and prudent management of its own finances, will continue to ensure that the fundamentals of this state provide them with confidence to plan for the future, invest and create jobs.

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