❓ Mrs. Martin questions the Commonwealth's commitment to funding the Derby tidal power scheme following statements by Wilson Tuckey. Mr. Ripper details the history of the project, criticizes the Commonwealth's lack of action, and highlights the State's investment despite federal inaction.
AnsweredQoN 782Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DERBY TIDAL POWER, COMMONWEALTH FUNDS
I refer to a statement by Wilson “Ironbar” Tuckey in The Australian of 8 December that the Derby tidal power scheme ranks in national importance with the Snowy Mountains scheme, and that, if necessary, it should be funded by taxpayers. Has the Commonwealth honoured this funding promise? The SPEAKER: When making reference to a minister, even if he or she belongs to another Parliament, it is probably appropriate to use the person’s correct title. Mr RIPPER
I refer to a statement by Wilson “Ironbar” Tuckey in The Australian of 8 December that the Derby tidal power scheme ranks in national importance with the Snowy Mountains scheme, and that, if necessary, it should be funded by taxpayers. Has the Commonwealth honoured this funding promise? The SPEAKER: When making reference to a minister, even if he or she belongs to another Parliament, it is probably appropriate to use the person’s correct title. Mr RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: When making reference to a minister, even if he or she belongs to another Parliament, it is probably appropriate to use the person’s correct title. Mr RIPPER replied: As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER replied: As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: When making reference to a minister, even if he or she belongs to another Parliament, it is probably appropriate to use the person’s correct title. Mr RIPPER replied: As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER replied: As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
As the Leader of the Opposition painfully knows, this matter has a very long history. As far back as 1999 the former Deputy Premier, the then member for Merredin, wrote to the Howard Government seeking financial support for a Derby tidal power project. In 2000 the Prime Minister proposed to the Court Government that a joint study be conducted, but the State refused to support it. The Commonwealth commissioned its own so-called due diligence study. In a letter to Premier Court on 1 July 2000, the Prime Minister said - Should the due diligence study and subsequent Commonwealth assessment suggest that the project has merit, the Commonwealth will then be in a position to decide what assistance, if any, would be provided. I would encourage the Western Australian Government to also consider its own options for supporting the project, including in-kind support such as roads. We have taken up the Prime Minister’s suggestion and committed $15 million in road works to support a tidal power project. However, 19 months later the Prime Minister has not honoured his part of the bargain. We have no certainty about what, if any, commonwealth assistance will be offered. We need that certainty to progress new arrangements for the supply of electricity in the west Kimberley. This Government has made several representations to the federal Government seeking to translate all the pre-election statements of Prime Minister Howard, minister Tuckey and other federal ministers into a cast-iron funding commitment for this project. I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
I have written four times to the federal Government, including twice to the Prime Minister. Those letters have not been responded to. The federal Government is not taking the issue seriously enough to respond. Ian Macfarlane, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, slipped into Perth late last month. However, he did not bother to drop in and clarify the federal position. This is costing the State money. Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Every month that goes by, the State, through Western Power, is losing $1 million from the supply of diesel-fired power to the west Kimberley. I wrote to the Prime Minister again today. I have given Mr Howard until 12 April to make the State a serious offer before I give instructions for a tender process to be called for the supply of power in the west Kimberley, with or without federal funding. Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Also, today I have released the State’s study of tidal technology options. The study found that a tidal barrage scheme is the most feasible option for a small-scale tidal power plant to meet part of Derby’s power needs. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr Barnett interjected. Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER: I would not interject if I were the Leader of the Opposition. Everything that he said was gold when he was minister has turned to lead. We are facing two legal actions over his gas access regulation scheme - the privatisation of the Dampier-to-Bunbury natural gas pipeline and his state agreement associated with the goldfields gas pipeline. His power-purchase agreement for the west Kimberley fell over, and he potentially put at risk the State’s competition policy payments by failing to proceed with the structural reform of Western Power. His record as Minister for Energy means he is not entitled to make interjections. I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
I do not think the people of Derby will be interested in a small-scale scheme while there is the possibility of a large project to supply the west Kimberley. The people of Derby and the west Kimberley deserve - [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: When I stand in this place, people should be quiet. Please take your seat. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove the lady from the public gallery. She is not to return to the gallery until she offers an apology. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove that man also. The gentleman also is not to return until I receive a written apology from him. [Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
[Interruption from gallery.] The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
The SPEAKER: Remove him with whatever force is required. I apologise to the House for the interruption. Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
Mr RIPPER: The people of the west Kimberley deserve and need an answer from the Prime Minister on this matter. He needs to put up or shut up on the question of tidal power.
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