Mr. Johnston questions the Premier regarding a proposed 'solar tax' and the security of existing solar feed-in tariff contracts. The Premier denies advocating for a solar tax.

AnsweredQoN 48Legislative Assembly
Asked
18 February 2016
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

SOLAR
FEED-IN TARIFF SCHEME
48. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Premier:
I refer to the proposal that the
Premier raised last year—that homeowners who have installed rooftop solar
panels should now be charged a special fee.
(1) Will the Premier rule out
introducing a solar tax on people who have installed solar panels?
(2) Can the
Premier reassure people in Western Australia who have signed a contract with
the government for their solar feed-in tariff that he will not, on a third
occasion, attempt to break those contracts?

AnswerView source ↗

(1)–(2) Perhaps the member
could help me out and tell me where I said there would be a solar tax.
Mr
W.J. Johnston : One example is 17 March 2015, as well as in December.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : I have not advocated a solar tax.
Mr
W.J. Johnston : The Premier agreed with the Minister for Energy's
proposal to have an extra charge.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : I did not advocate a solar tax at all. Can the member show me
the —
Several members interjected.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : I have never advocated a solar tax.
The
SPEAKER : Premier, you have to answer the question as best you can on the
information that is given to you. You cannot go back and forth.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : I have not advocated a solar tax at all. Indeed, this
government has encouraged solar energy—we have.
Mr
M. McGowan interjected.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : The question related to some sort of accusation that I have
advocated a solar tax. I have not—never have. False question. Do your
research.

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