The WA opposition is questioning the government's plan to recover funds provided to Griffin Coal by increasing coal prices, asking if Premier Coal will receive equivalent pricing and inquiring about the impact on consumers and the state budget. The government states no decision has been made regarding Premier Coal and that impacts are still being assessed.

AnsweredQoN 104Legislative Council
Asked
21 February 2023
Portfolio
State Development, Jobs and Trade

QuestionView source ↗

GRIFFIN COAL
104. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade:
I refer to my question without
notice 31 of 15 February 2023, in answer to which the minister said, in part —
� it is the government's
intention to recover the funds provided to Griffin's managers and
receivers as part of any longer term commercial arrangements. It is intended
that the payments will be recovered from additional revenue as a result of
increased prices paid for coal when new commercial arrangements are in place.
(1) Will the
government be extending to Synergy coal supplier Premier Coal an equivalent
coal pricing revision to the proposed increased Griffin Coal pricing?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) In relation to
Griffin Coal, what modelling, assessment or analysis has the government
undertaken in establishing a ''fair'' price for coal?
(4) What will be
the cost implications on residential, rural and commercial energy consumers as
a result of ''increased prices paid for coal when new commercial
arrangements are in place''?
(5) What will be
the implications to state budgetary costings and projections as a result of ''increased
prices paid for coal when new commercial arrangements are in place''?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the Leader of the Opposition
for some notice of the question. The following answer is provided on behalf of
the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade.
(1)–(2) No
decision has been made on this matter.
(3) Commercial discussions between the state and
Griffin Coal's receivers, lenders and customers are ongoing . The
government will provide an update once commercial discussions are further
progressed.
(4)–(5) The
government will assess the potential impacts on electricity prices, customers and
the budget as it progresses this work.

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