❓ Debate regarding the WA government's energy policy, specifically concerning potential privatisation of Western Power. The government denies plans for privatisation, accusing the opposition of a hidden agenda.
AnsweredQoN 304Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Government’s policy of increased competition in the electricity market. Is the Government contemplating privatising Western Power or its constituent parts? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
What a good question. Reform of our electricity system is essential for investment, growth and jobs in this State. Higher electricity prices are a handbrake on this State’s development and disadvantageous to consumers. We are considering the recommendations of the Electricity Reform Task Force. The task force has learnt from the positive and negative experiences of other jurisdictions and has put forward a reform program that suits Western Australia. However, there is one option that we will not adopt: privatisation. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: What a good question. Reform of our electricity system is essential for investment, growth and jobs in this State. Higher electricity prices are a handbrake on this State’s development and disadvantageous to consumers. We are considering the recommendations of the Electricity Reform Task Force. The task force has learnt from the positive and negative experiences of other jurisdictions and has put forward a reform program that suits Western Australia. However, there is one option that we will not adopt: privatisation. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
What a good question. Reform of our electricity system is essential for investment, growth and jobs in this State. Higher electricity prices are a handbrake on this State’s development and disadvantageous to consumers. We are considering the recommendations of the Electricity Reform Task Force. The task force has learnt from the positive and negative experiences of other jurisdictions and has put forward a reform program that suits Western Australia. However, there is one option that we will not adopt: privatisation. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: What a good question. Reform of our electricity system is essential for investment, growth and jobs in this State. Higher electricity prices are a handbrake on this State’s development and disadvantageous to consumers. We are considering the recommendations of the Electricity Reform Task Force. The task force has learnt from the positive and negative experiences of other jurisdictions and has put forward a reform program that suits Western Australia. However, there is one option that we will not adopt: privatisation. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
What a good question. Reform of our electricity system is essential for investment, growth and jobs in this State. Higher electricity prices are a handbrake on this State’s development and disadvantageous to consumers. We are considering the recommendations of the Electricity Reform Task Force. The task force has learnt from the positive and negative experiences of other jurisdictions and has put forward a reform program that suits Western Australia. However, there is one option that we will not adopt: privatisation. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes you will. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition thinks that we will adopt privatisation. The Leader of the Opposition has a problem. In this State, business confidence in the economy is up and business confidence in the Leader of the Opposition is down. He has a real problem. The reason we do not support privatisation is that we do not want to replace a public monopoly with a private monopoly, because that would be even worse for our consumers. We want strong competition in our electricity system as well as regulation to protect consumers, maintain the uniform tariff and preserve existing rebates. There is a privatisation agenda for Western Power, and that is the agenda of the Leader of the Opposition. If members care to look at the 7 November edition of Western Australian Business News , they will read some very interesting comments. A story in the Western Australian Business News headed “Business turns on Barnett over power” quotes the Leader of the Opposition as follows - If we had been in power one of Western Power’s generators would have been privatised by now . . . Mr C.J. Barnett: That is probably true. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Leader of the Opposition says it is probably true. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes; it might have taken more than two years, but we would have done it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: He confirms once again that the coalition went to the last election with a secret privatisation plan, which it did not share with the electors of Western Australia. The electors of Western Australia and the workers at power stations at Kwinana, Muja and Collie deserve an explanation. Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: It is in the policy, you clown! Read the policy. I will send you a copy. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The Liberal Party said in its policy that consideration might be given to the privatisation of an individual power station. It did not say definitely that it would have privatised a power station within two years of the election. Which power station did the Leader of the Opposition intend to privatise? Is the sale of a power station still on the Leader of the Opposition’s agenda; and if so, which one? Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why don’t we debate energy policy right now? Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Which power station does the Leader of the Opposition want to sell? Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Suspend standing orders and we will debate energy right now. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: If we are to have a debate on energy reform - we will in due course - let us establish a common information base for that debate. What was the Leader of the Opposition’s privatisation plan? There is no answer, Mr Speaker. Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: We consider it could be Muja, it could be Collie; I don’t know. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps some other people will tell us about the Liberal Party’s election promises. Western Australian Business News made this very interesting comment - However, it is understood that Mr Barnett’s view of electricity reform is not shared by members of the Liberal Party. What are these other views? Does the member for Vasse have a view on electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr B.K. Masters: I’d like to see the Bunbury station sold. Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: That is closed! That is a profound comment. Does the member for Ningaloo support electricity reform? Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr B.K. Masters interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Members opposite are not giving this matter serious consideration. We will investigate this question. I reckon that if we asked Hon George Cash, Hon Norman Moore or the member for Kalgoorlie, we might get different answers on electricity reform from those put forward by the Leader of the Opposition. I wish the Leader of the Opposition would follow the Victorian opposition leader, who is going to an election - Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Can you tell me what Brian Burke is saying on this occasion? Brian Burke and Julian Grill are running this agenda now for the Labor Party in the Labor Caucus and you all know it. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what the Victorian Leader of the Opposition said. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will listen for one moment. The Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, said that the Liberal Party has no privatisation agenda, that it does not wish to privatise anything further and that is the end of the story as far as the Liberal Party is concerned. Would that not be a great position for the Liberal Party in Western Australia to adopt?
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