Dr. Thomas questions the government's confidence in WA's energy supply after a Griffin Coal shutdown, given the subsequent $220 million allocated to support the company. The government defends the allocation as necessary to secure the electricity system and protect jobs, while also highlighting investments in renewable energy.

AnsweredQoN 93Legislative Council
Asked
12 March 2024
Portfolio
State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade

QuestionView source ↗

GRIFFIN COAL — COLLIE
93. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade:
I refer to my question without
notice 1003 of 17 November 2021, which asked —
(5) As Griffin
Coal is indirectly responsible for the production of a significant share of
power to WA's main grid, what is the � contingency plan should Griffin
cease operational production?
To which the minister responded —
(5) This matter
has been reviewed by government and there is considered to be no risk to
electricity supply should the Griffin Coal mine cease operational production.
(1) Does the
minister stand by this unequivocal, whole-of-government response that there
will be no risk to WA's energy supply should Griffin Coal cease
operations?
(2) If yes to
(1), why is the government spending $260 million of taxpayer-funded money on an
insolvent and foreign-owned company?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the minister representing
and provide an answer on behalf of the Minister for State and Industry
Development, Jobs and Trade.
(1)–(2)
The state government has allocated up to $220 million to support continued
operations at Griffin Coal, secure the electricity system and protect Collie
jobs. In addition, the state government is investing billions of dollars in new
renewable energy projects, battery storage and transmission infrastructure to
transition and strengthen our electricity system over the coming decades.

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