❓ Opposition Leader questions the Premier regarding conflicting statements about the potential privatisation of state energy assets (Synergy and Verve). Premier denies plans to privatise key utilities but indicates potential asset sales to fund infrastructure.
AnsweredQoN 540Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE
FINANCES — ASSET SALES
540. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's comments last week regarding
the potential sale of the state's energy assets when he stated, ''We
will not do that'', and the confirmation from the Minister for Energy
that Synergy and Verve are to be privatised.
(1) Will the
Premier sell Synergy or Verve or any future merged entities—yes or no?
(2) Why has
there been so much confusion from within the Premier's government about
whether these assets are for sale?
(3) Who is
correct, the Premier or the energy minister?
FINANCES — ASSET SALES
540. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's comments last week regarding
the potential sale of the state's energy assets when he stated, ''We
will not do that'', and the confirmation from the Minister for Energy
that Synergy and Verve are to be privatised.
(1) Will the
Premier sell Synergy or Verve or any future merged entities—yes or no?
(2) Why has
there been so much confusion from within the Premier's government about
whether these assets are for sale?
(3) Who is
correct, the Premier or the energy minister?
AnswerView source ↗
Before I answer that question, I welcome to the public
gallery Perth College year 11 students and hope you enjoy your visit,
particularly Madison. Dad says hello.
(1)–(3)
I do not know that the quote the Leader of the Opposition attributed to me is
entirely accurate. However, I note the point of his question.
We are certainly going to look at
some privatisation of government assets. In the context of the last five years
with capital works programs of around $7 billion or $8 billion, this government
has funded something like $40 billion to $50 billion of additional government
assets across every portfolio. So that we can continue to build assets that are
needed in this state, we may sell some—some that have been developed
recently and some from previous governments, but we will not sell assets that
impact on the wider public.
Mr D.J. Kelly : Do
you expect us to believe that?
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
Yes.
With respect to the point the Leader of the Opposition was
getting to, Verve and Synergy will be merged. That legislation is about to come
before Parliament. Whether he thinks of it in its merged or current form, we
will not privatise Synergy, Verve, Horizon, Western Power or the Water
Corporation.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
was asked a straightforward question and I have given a straightforward answer.
gallery Perth College year 11 students and hope you enjoy your visit,
particularly Madison. Dad says hello.
(1)–(3)
I do not know that the quote the Leader of the Opposition attributed to me is
entirely accurate. However, I note the point of his question.
We are certainly going to look at
some privatisation of government assets. In the context of the last five years
with capital works programs of around $7 billion or $8 billion, this government
has funded something like $40 billion to $50 billion of additional government
assets across every portfolio. So that we can continue to build assets that are
needed in this state, we may sell some—some that have been developed
recently and some from previous governments, but we will not sell assets that
impact on the wider public.
Mr D.J. Kelly : Do
you expect us to believe that?
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
Yes.
With respect to the point the Leader of the Opposition was
getting to, Verve and Synergy will be merged. That legislation is about to come
before Parliament. Whether he thinks of it in its merged or current form, we
will not privatise Synergy, Verve, Horizon, Western Power or the Water
Corporation.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
was asked a straightforward question and I have given a straightforward answer.
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