❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details on a consultancy regarding a net zero research roadmap, including the engagement process, outcomes, and impact on government policy. The Minister's answer provides details on the tender process, stakeholder engagement, and the roadmap's role in informing future research priorities.
AnsweredQoN 1653Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The Report on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months to 31 December 2024 confirms a payment of $346,870 by the Department of Mines and Petroleum to Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd for net zero research development and demonstration roadmap. Can the Minister advise: (a) What was the process used to engage Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd; (b) Has Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd provided the Government with a draft and/or final report: (i) If so, can this be tabled; and (ii) If not, why not; (c) Has Low Carbon Australia provided the Government with the demonstration roadmap it was contracted to deliver: (i) If so, can it be tabled; and (ii) If not, why not; (d) What were the outcomes from this consultancy; (e) Have the results been shared with entities or individual’s external to the State Government: (i) If so, when, who and for what purpose; and (ii) If not, why not; (f) What were identified as the benefits to the State for such an initiative; (g) What were identified as the challenges to the State for such an initiative; (h) Has the consultancy led to changes in Government policy and/or priorities with respect to this issue: (i) If so, why; and (ii) If not, why not; (i) What consultation process did Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd follow in undertaking this work; (j) Who was consulted and when; and (k) Were updates provided to Government during the consultancy: (i) If so, when and to who; and (ii) If not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
1 days
(a) Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd (LCA) was engaged as a result of an open tender process undertaken by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) and advertised through Tenders WA.
(b) Yes.
(i)-(ii) Documents are currently being prepared by MRIWA intended for public release.
(c) Yes.
(i)-(ii) Documents are currently being prepared by MRIWA intended for public release.
(d) The development of a Net Zero Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Roadmap outlining Western Australia’s current and future capabilities and opportunities for investment into heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D, to support WA’s net zero transition and enable a more integrated approach through reducing duplication and addressing gaps in RD&D efforts.
(e) Yes.
(i) Preliminary findings have been presented for consultation purposes and input by various stakeholders including industry, government and research entities.
(ii) Not applicable.
(f) The identification of Western Australia’s strengths and future opportunities in heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D.
(g) The identification of technical considerations and opportunities for the State relating to the challenge of heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D.
(h) The work will inform the development of a Research Priority Plan, subject to the outcome of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia Amendment (Clean Energy) Bill 2025 currently before the Parliament.
(i) A stakeholder engagement plan was developed and implemented by LCA in accordance with MRIWA requirements.
(j) Consultation occurred between June and December 2024. Industry representatives, government departments and research institutions were consulted.
(k) Yes.
(i) Regular updates were provided to a cross-agency working group.
(ii) Not applicable.
(b) Yes.
(i)-(ii) Documents are currently being prepared by MRIWA intended for public release.
(c) Yes.
(i)-(ii) Documents are currently being prepared by MRIWA intended for public release.
(d) The development of a Net Zero Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Roadmap outlining Western Australia’s current and future capabilities and opportunities for investment into heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D, to support WA’s net zero transition and enable a more integrated approach through reducing duplication and addressing gaps in RD&D efforts.
(e) Yes.
(i) Preliminary findings have been presented for consultation purposes and input by various stakeholders including industry, government and research entities.
(ii) Not applicable.
(f) The identification of Western Australia’s strengths and future opportunities in heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D.
(g) The identification of technical considerations and opportunities for the State relating to the challenge of heavy industry decarbonisation RD&D.
(h) The work will inform the development of a Research Priority Plan, subject to the outcome of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia Amendment (Clean Energy) Bill 2025 currently before the Parliament.
(i) A stakeholder engagement plan was developed and implemented by LCA in accordance with MRIWA requirements.
(j) Consultation occurred between June and December 2024. Industry representatives, government departments and research institutions were consulted.
(k) Yes.
(i) Regular updates were provided to a cross-agency working group.
(ii) Not applicable.
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