❓ Mr Whitely asks about WA's role in the federal government's national energy policy. Mr Carpenter responds that the federal government lacks a coherent policy and highlights WA's potential to contribute to national energy security, particularly through gas reserves, while criticising the federal government's stance on domestic gas reservation and promotion of nuclear energy.
AnsweredQoN 322Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
How does Western Australia feature in the federal government’s national energy policy? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
How does Western Australia feature in the federal government’s national energy policy? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his constructive support on a range of issues, including this one. How does Western Australia figure in the federal government’s national energy policy? It is clear that it does not. It does not appear as though the federal government has a national energy policy, which is unfortunate for Australia. We all know that a debate is currently being conducted about nuclear energy. However, the debate should be about Australia’s energy requirements for the future. Western Australia can play a very significant role in providing energy security for the future. Members know that Western Australia has abundant gas supplies offshore, in particular, and also onshore. For a long time - going back to the 1970s and 1980s - governments of both persuasions have worked to develop the state’s energy resources in the interest of the state and the nation. We can now take it to another level in the national interest, over and above simply reaping royalty rewards for exports. We must do that, and we will do that. I have often said - my view is supported in various other places - that we must construct a mechanism by which the rest of Australia can benefit more directly from our wonderful gas reserves. We have good coal reserves and a renascent coal industry in Collie, thanks to the great advocacy of the member for Collie-Wellington, the ministerial support he received last year and the then Premier. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his constructive support on a range of issues, including this one. How does Western Australia figure in the federal government’s national energy policy? It is clear that it does not. It does not appear as though the federal government has a national energy policy, which is unfortunate for Australia. We all know that a debate is currently being conducted about nuclear energy. However, the debate should be about Australia’s energy requirements for the future. Western Australia can play a very significant role in providing energy security for the future. Members know that Western Australia has abundant gas supplies offshore, in particular, and also onshore. For a long time - going back to the 1970s and 1980s - governments of both persuasions have worked to develop the state’s energy resources in the interest of the state and the nation. We can now take it to another level in the national interest, over and above simply reaping royalty rewards for exports. We must do that, and we will do that. I have often said - my view is supported in various other places - that we must construct a mechanism by which the rest of Australia can benefit more directly from our wonderful gas reserves. We have good coal reserves and a renascent coal industry in Collie, thanks to the great advocacy of the member for Collie-Wellington, the ministerial support he received last year and the then Premier. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his constructive support on a range of issues, including this one. How does Western Australia figure in the federal government’s national energy policy? It is clear that it does not. It does not appear as though the federal government has a national energy policy, which is unfortunate for Australia. We all know that a debate is currently being conducted about nuclear energy. However, the debate should be about Australia’s energy requirements for the future. Western Australia can play a very significant role in providing energy security for the future. Members know that Western Australia has abundant gas supplies offshore, in particular, and also onshore. For a long time - going back to the 1970s and 1980s - governments of both persuasions have worked to develop the state’s energy resources in the interest of the state and the nation. We can now take it to another level in the national interest, over and above simply reaping royalty rewards for exports. We must do that, and we will do that. I have often said - my view is supported in various other places - that we must construct a mechanism by which the rest of Australia can benefit more directly from our wonderful gas reserves. We have good coal reserves and a renascent coal industry in Collie, thanks to the great advocacy of the member for Collie-Wellington, the ministerial support he received last year and the then Premier. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his constructive support on a range of issues, including this one. How does Western Australia figure in the federal government’s national energy policy? It is clear that it does not. It does not appear as though the federal government has a national energy policy, which is unfortunate for Australia. We all know that a debate is currently being conducted about nuclear energy. However, the debate should be about Australia’s energy requirements for the future. Western Australia can play a very significant role in providing energy security for the future. Members know that Western Australia has abundant gas supplies offshore, in particular, and also onshore. For a long time - going back to the 1970s and 1980s - governments of both persuasions have worked to develop the state’s energy resources in the interest of the state and the nation. We can now take it to another level in the national interest, over and above simply reaping royalty rewards for exports. We must do that, and we will do that. I have often said - my view is supported in various other places - that we must construct a mechanism by which the rest of Australia can benefit more directly from our wonderful gas reserves. We have good coal reserves and a renascent coal industry in Collie, thanks to the great advocacy of the member for Collie-Wellington, the ministerial support he received last year and the then Premier. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his constructive support on a range of issues, including this one. How does Western Australia figure in the federal government’s national energy policy? It is clear that it does not. It does not appear as though the federal government has a national energy policy, which is unfortunate for Australia. We all know that a debate is currently being conducted about nuclear energy. However, the debate should be about Australia’s energy requirements for the future. Western Australia can play a very significant role in providing energy security for the future. Members know that Western Australia has abundant gas supplies offshore, in particular, and also onshore. For a long time - going back to the 1970s and 1980s - governments of both persuasions have worked to develop the state’s energy resources in the interest of the state and the nation. We can now take it to another level in the national interest, over and above simply reaping royalty rewards for exports. We must do that, and we will do that. I have often said - my view is supported in various other places - that we must construct a mechanism by which the rest of Australia can benefit more directly from our wonderful gas reserves. We have good coal reserves and a renascent coal industry in Collie, thanks to the great advocacy of the member for Collie-Wellington, the ministerial support he received last year and the then Premier. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Let us face it: we have the opportunity to develop a great future for Collie. If we must spend money doing it, we should. We spend money also in Bunbury, Karratha, the Pilbara and the Kimberley - Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr M.J. Cowper : Don’t forget Geraldton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member might not have noticed that we have spent a little bit of money in Geraldton! Also, there no longer seems to be any interest at the commonwealth level in renewable energies. Instead, we have the promotion of nuclear power. I have taken up the issue of domestic gas reserves and the opportunities for increased domestic gas reserves with the commonwealth government and Minister Macfarlane. It is very disappointing that Minister Macfarlane takes a completely unconstructive attitude towards the possibility of reserving more of our gas resources for domestic production. That would generate all sorts of dynamics. We would have the potential to pipe the gas eastwards to the big energy markets on the east coast. That is a much better option in the national interest than is piping it down from Papua New Guinea. The option that we have put forward in Western Australia is far superior to that. We would not have the issue of sovereign risk, for a start - unless, of course, we took the ultimate step in Western Australia and decided to go our own way, which we are unlikely to do - that we would have if we brought gas down from Papua New Guinea. To me, and I know also to many people on both sides of the Parliament, the nuclear option does not make economic sense for Australia. It does not make social sense. It also does not make environmental sense. I do not often praise the member for Leschenault, but I am heartened by the comments he has made in his local media about nuclear energy being completely - Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr M.P. Murray : He also made some comments on the coal industry about a week ago. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I know. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Seeing that we are having this mutual admiration session, can you tell us when we will be getting natural gas at Kemerton? Just answer that one simple question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member should not worry about that. It will get there. I am heartened by the fact that the member for Leschenault is an outspoken critic of the nuclear option for Western Australia. Be wary. What we have said before about this whole uranium debate is correct. Western Australia is being positioned to be not only a uranium miner and exporter but also the recipient of nuclear waste from all around the world. A lot of evidence has been developed that points to Western Australia as being the ideal place for a nuclear waste dump site: we are geographically remote, geologically stable, politically stable and demographically sparse. We are identified as being the ideal place. We do not need to do that. We do not need to go down that path, and we should not. However, we are being, I think, let down by the federal government, which does not have a national energy strategy. We should have one. The nation should do it. I speak to business and political people from the east of Australia who are only vaguely aware of the potential that sits on our north west coast. A lot of them do not even know that there is a gas pipeline from the north west to the south west of Australia. They have no idea. They certainly do not know that there is a pipeline to Kalgoorlie, and another one down to Esperance. We need to raise this issue and give it greater profile in the national political debate, and we will.
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