❓ The Premier updates the house on the government's response to the Varanus Island gas explosion, outlining the establishment of committees and measures to address energy supply, economic, social, and employment consequences.
AnsweredQoN 296Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE
Will the Premier update the house on the government’s response to the Varanus Island explosion? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
Will the Premier update the house on the government’s response to the Varanus Island explosion? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Wanneroo for the question. Before I provide an answer, I acknowledge and welcome the students and staff of Carey Baptist College in the Armadale electorate who are sitting in the gallery upstairs. This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Wanneroo for the question. Before I provide an answer, I acknowledge and welcome the students and staff of Carey Baptist College in the Armadale electorate who are sitting in the gallery upstairs. This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
I thank the member for Wanneroo for the question. Before I provide an answer, I acknowledge and welcome the students and staff of Carey Baptist College in the Armadale electorate who are sitting in the gallery upstairs. This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Wanneroo for the question. Before I provide an answer, I acknowledge and welcome the students and staff of Carey Baptist College in the Armadale electorate who are sitting in the gallery upstairs. This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
I thank the member for Wanneroo for the question. Before I provide an answer, I acknowledge and welcome the students and staff of Carey Baptist College in the Armadale electorate who are sitting in the gallery upstairs. This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
This issue is at the front and centre of the government’s attention, and it will be for some time. As I have already indicated to the Parliament, the government has established the Gas Supply Coordination Committee to help deal with the energy supply related issues that are before us. That group is focused 100 per cent on that task. As a result, it is identifying additional energy sources that could be made available. For example, we announced yesterday that we intend to bring the decommissioned Muja A and B power stations to a state of readiness should they be needed. We anticipate that they will be needed. Of course, we are dealing not just with the restoration of energy supplies; the issue is broader than that. Our other key priority is to deal with the fallout from the disruption to gas supplies; that is, the economic, social and employment consequences of that disruption. To that end, we have made some additional adjustments. I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
I have instructed the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, the most senior public servant in the state, to bring together a high-powered team to coordinate our response to the economic and social impacts of this event. The group is holding its first meeting as we speak. The group will meet as often as required and will report to me, other relevant ministers and the Gas Supply Coordination Committee. The Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee includes representatives from Treasury, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department for Communities, the Small Business Development Corporation, relevant commonwealth agencies such as Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and a number of peak industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and the Western Australian Local Government Association. The aim of the recovery group is to support industry, businesses, services and communities that have been affected by the gas supply disruption, so that they can return as quickly as possible to normal function. In particular, I want the team to focus on industry concerns about the impact of the gas shortage, such as the shutdown and closure of some businesses; concerns about the potential for job losses and flow-on effects for businesses and the community; the effect on essential services, including food supplies and hospitals; and the effect on future economic growth and the mining industry. We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
We have also invited input from the union movement, which has already come together to represent the interests of its members and their families. In fact, as a result of a meeting at Parliament House last night with the Deputy Premier, the state’s major unions will work with Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Employment Protection, to look after the interests of their members and their families. I expect that group to work with the recovery group chaired by Mr Wauchope. We have established a hotline to provide employment-related information and assistance to workers. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The number of the hotline is 1300 790 636. The hotline will be managed by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
The commonwealth has also made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort by making assistance available to businesses and employees who have been genuinely disadvantaged by the incident. Centrelink and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will work with relevant WA government agencies to devise the most effective way of delivering the assistance where it is required. A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
A comprehensive response to the explosion and its ramifications is in place. We will continue to adjust and amend our response to any situation that arises. I will repeat what I have said from the very first day that this news broke; that is, this is one of the most serious situations, if not the most serious situation, that we have faced in this state for a long time. We need to work cooperatively and collaboratively together. So far there has been great cooperation and collaboration. I am very heartened by the response from all the interested parties in our state. I am very heartened by the response and support from the federal government. I repeat: we need to deal with this situation maturely, logically and calmly. We can deal with the ramifications. It will be difficult; it is difficult, and there will be some very difficult times ahead. However, if we work together cooperatively, maturely and responsibly, we will get through this issue and minimise—we cannot eliminate—the adverse impact on Western Australia and our citizens, and we can eventually get back to a situation in which we have a booming economy and all the benefits that flow from that. I reiterate my thanks for the support and positive input that the government has received.
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