❓ Question regarding the Electricity Reform Taskforce's consideration of power infrastructure and the objectivity of their analysis given government constraints. The Minister assures the taskforce considers government policies and accuses the opposition of undermining the uniform tariff.
AnsweredQoN 995Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
One of the functions of the Electricity Reform Taskforce is to give due regard to the policies of the Government that impact on the electricity sector. (1) Has the minister instructed the task force to give due consideration to the current state of power infrastructure and its future development, such as transmission lines in regional areas, before making recommendations about disaggregation and retail contestability? (2) Given that the Government has been constrained by its election promise, how can the task force provide an objective analysis of the costs and the benefits of disaggregating Western Power or of full retail contestability? Mr RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(1) Has the minister instructed the task force to give due consideration to the current state of power infrastructure and its future development, such as transmission lines in regional areas, before making recommendations about disaggregation and retail contestability? (2) Given that the Government has been constrained by its election promise, how can the task force provide an objective analysis of the costs and the benefits of disaggregating Western Power or of full retail contestability? Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(2) Given that the Government has been constrained by its election promise, how can the task force provide an objective analysis of the costs and the benefits of disaggregating Western Power or of full retail contestability? Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(1) Has the minister instructed the task force to give due consideration to the current state of power infrastructure and its future development, such as transmission lines in regional areas, before making recommendations about disaggregation and retail contestability? (2) Given that the Government has been constrained by its election promise, how can the task force provide an objective analysis of the costs and the benefits of disaggregating Western Power or of full retail contestability? Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(2) Given that the Government has been constrained by its election promise, how can the task force provide an objective analysis of the costs and the benefits of disaggregating Western Power or of full retail contestability? Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER replied: (1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(1) The Electricity Reform Taskforce is charged with presenting recommendations for a new electricity market. It has to have regard for government policies; for example, the maintenance of the uniform tariff, which is a key issue for regional Western Australia. That is part of the instructions to the Electricity Reform Taskforce. Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Dr Gallop: Remind me, who was it who undermined the uniform tariff? Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: That is right! It was the Leader of the Opposition when he was Minister for Energy who undermined the uniform tariff. I do remember that now! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: The issue in regional Western Australia is the quality of our power infrastructure. A significant number of country areas need investment in the transmission and distribution network in order to provide the power supplies that are required by incoming industry. The Government recognises that issue. Western Power is running a $400 million capital works program for exactly that sort of reason. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition probably wants the Government to cut that program because he is worried about the amount of money the Government is spending on capital works, and about debt. Presumably the Leader of the Opposition does not want Western Power to borrow so that it can invest in that regional power infrastructure that is so necessary for our economic development. I want Western Power to invest in that regional infrastructure because I want that growth to continue. Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr Barnett: Why did you cut it? Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition is now coming from the opposite direction and asking why we cut Western Power’s capital works program. The Government did not cut Western Power’s capital works program. We continued it at its existing level. It is a strong program and it is investing in just the sorts of things that the member for Wagin is talking about. These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
These are two different issues: the need for investment in the infrastructure is separate from the creation of an electricity market. The Government proposes that Western Power and any successor organisations remain in full public ownership. That will mean that the State Government will have the capacity to meet community needs should the market not provide for those needs. That is a key protection for rural and regional Western Australia; whereas the potential coalition partners of the National Party are pro the privatisation of Western Power. Had the coalition been returned to government the Leader of the Opposition would be even now selling Western Power power stations. (2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
(2) The member for Wagin asked about the work on cost-benefit analyses. The Electricity Reform Taskforce consists of people of integrity and academic competence, and I am sure they will conduct that work with rigour and professionalism. Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
Mr RIPPER: I apologise, Mr Speaker, I did not realise you were on your feet, but I had finished.
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