❓ Question addresses support for electricity reform agenda at the WA Power Conference and criticises the opposition's stance, advocating for a conscience vote on the issue. The Minister defends the government's approach, highlighting benefits and criticising the Leader of the Opposition.
AnsweredQoN 1144Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the seventh WA Power Conference, which is being held this week at Observation City. Is the minister aware of strong support expressed by delegates at the conference for the Government’s electricity reform agenda? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question and for his address to the conference on behalf of the Government. I am aware that conference delegates have expressed support for the reforms. I am not surprised, because it is consistent with the views of most business and industry groups with whom I have talked on this issue over the past few years. In fact, many groups are puzzled about why it has taken Western Australia so long to introduce electricity into the competition market when most other jurisdictions took that path years ago. An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and for his address to the conference on behalf of the Government. I am aware that conference delegates have expressed support for the reforms. I am not surprised, because it is consistent with the views of most business and industry groups with whom I have talked on this issue over the past few years. In fact, many groups are puzzled about why it has taken Western Australia so long to introduce electricity into the competition market when most other jurisdictions took that path years ago. An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and for his address to the conference on behalf of the Government. I am aware that conference delegates have expressed support for the reforms. I am not surprised, because it is consistent with the views of most business and industry groups with whom I have talked on this issue over the past few years. In fact, many groups are puzzled about why it has taken Western Australia so long to introduce electricity into the competition market when most other jurisdictions took that path years ago. An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and for his address to the conference on behalf of the Government. I am aware that conference delegates have expressed support for the reforms. I am not surprised, because it is consistent with the views of most business and industry groups with whom I have talked on this issue over the past few years. In fact, many groups are puzzled about why it has taken Western Australia so long to introduce electricity into the competition market when most other jurisdictions took that path years ago. An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and for his address to the conference on behalf of the Government. I am aware that conference delegates have expressed support for the reforms. I am not surprised, because it is consistent with the views of most business and industry groups with whom I have talked on this issue over the past few years. In fact, many groups are puzzled about why it has taken Western Australia so long to introduce electricity into the competition market when most other jurisdictions took that path years ago. An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
An opposition member: We already have it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: In practical terms, Western Australia does not have competition in its electricity market. That is what the Government aims to address. Even Peter Costello wants this Government to get on with electricity reform, because it is a key obligation of the national competition agreement signed by the previous Government, which it conveniently ignores. One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
One of the benefits of our being the last State to embrace reform is that we can avoid the mistakes made elsewhere. Our reform is tailor-made to suit Western Australian conditions. It is very significant that we will avoid one of the major mistakes made in other States by retaining government ownership of the energy utility. We will not privatise Western Power. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Darling Range and Ningaloo. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Government wants a strong economy, more jobs and more opportunities for Western Australians. Electricity reform is one of the keys to delivering that improvement in investment jobs growth in the State. I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
I regret to say that to date the Leader of the Opposition has been, quite frankly, pig headed and inflexible on the reforms. That could be for two reasons. Perhaps it is a manifestation of former-minister syndrome or perhaps he did not have the courage to confront the issue when he was the minister - or perhaps there are more sinister reasons. I think the Opposition wants to fatten the cow for the market. It wants to privatise Western Power at the earliest opportunity. I have tried hard, but I have given up waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to do the responsible thing. I have therefore written to all members of the Liberal and National Parties offering them individual, confidential briefings by the electricity implementation unit so that they can make their own informed decision. This is the most serious economic issue confronting the State. I had hoped that a party that was historically committed to economic reform would show at least a slight indication of its earlier policy credentials - something other than mere opportunism and populist politics. The Leader of the Opposition has thrown away his policy credentials so I must appeal to other members of his party. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition announced that Liberal Party members would have a conscience vote on the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill. He said - It is a fact that Liberal members of Parliament always have a conscience vote; they are always entitled to vote against a party position on the understanding that they inform their colleagues of their intention to do so. I suggest that the long-term economic health of Western Australia is such an important issue that Liberal Party members should be allowed a conscience vote on electricity reform. I hope that individual members of the Liberal and National Parties will do the responsible thing in the interests of 3 000 jobs in this State. I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has given up any pretence to leadership or responsibility on this issue. However, members of the Liberal and National Parties have it within their own power to redeem the reputation of their parties for responsible economic reform. Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several government members: Hear, hear! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the members for Kingsley and Ningaloo.
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