Ian Macfarlane (Groom, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to add to an answer that I supplied to the member for Makin last night. I apologise to the member for Makin: I was distracted a little during his question and I misheard which program he was asking me about in relation to assistance to South Australia. He asked about the Manufacturing Transition Program and I, unfortunately, misheard it and answered the question on the basis that I thought he was asking about the Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Program. There are a number of programs—in fact, a significant number of programs—we are running in South Australia, so I apologise for that confusion.

I now wish to properly answer the question that was asked. The member for Makin asked me to advise him how many applications were received from South Australia and Victoria for funds from the Australian government's Manufacturing Transition Program, which was part of the confusion that then occurred in my mind because the manufacturing program has been completed. It received 77 applications nationally—it is a national program, so when he said South Australia and Victoria I thought he was referring to a scheme within the Growth Fund. He was actually referring to a government policy we took to the last election. The Australian government's manufacturing transition program had 77 applications nationally, 74 of which were eligible and were provided with grants. Five were from South Australia and 19 were from Victoria. I say to the member for Makin: it was a genuine mishearing, and if he requires any further information, he is always welcome to come to my office. In fact, we are having an open session right now.

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