South Australians will be asked to consider the merits of changing the State’s time-zone to either align with the eastern states or closer to Western Australia.

Premier Jay Weatherill said a state-wide consultation process will be led by Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith and explore whether South Australia’s time-zone presents a barrier to social and economic activities.

“South Australia’s half-hour time difference to the eastern states and 90 minute difference to Western Australia can cause confusion across the spectrum of our daily lives – from sporting fixtures to public service administration and business transactions,” Mr Weatherill said.

“The business community has raised this issue with me on a number of occasions and I believe the time is right to put the broader question to the community about the day-to-day inconvenience of a half-hour time zone.

“If it is the case that such a move will have positive benefits for business and create jobs – then we must seriously consider it.

“If it will improve our public administration and our scheduling of major events and sporting fixtures – then we must seriously consider it.

“I have asked Minister Hamilton-Smith to lead a consultation process with the business community, major sporting bodies, people in the regions and the broader community – this process will begin immediately.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the Government was committed to involving people in the decisions that affect their lives.

“The people of the State’s west coast would have significant concerns about a move towards Eastern Standard Time – so we must be fully aware of the impact this would have on this important region,” he said.

“I am keen to explore the opportunity this change presents for making SA more connected to Australia and the international community.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the Northern Territory Government and Broken Hill community will also be consulted as any changes to South Australia’s time zone may best be done in conjunction with those jurisdictions.

For more information, visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au

Key facts:

• South Australia’s time zone is 9.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
• Our time zone has not changed since 1899.
• South Australia is one of only seven places in the world with a half-hour reference point against UTC.
• Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory all have a time zone of +10 UTC.
• Western Australia has a time zone of + 8 UTC.