❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses the renaming of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) to include 'Energy', questioning the benefits, costs, and rationale behind the decision. The Minister defends the change as prioritising energy policy and decarbonisation.
AnsweredQoN 1430Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT OF MINES, INDUSTRY REGULATION AND SAFETY —
RENAMING
1430. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy:
It feels like a Thursday! I refer
to the minister's media statement of 3 November 2023 announcing the
renaming of the Department of Mines,
Industry Regulation and Safety, DMIRS, to the Department of Energy, Mines,
Industry Regulation and Safety, DEMIRS, from 1 December 2023.
(1) What are the
measurable and tangible benefits associated with the name change of DMIRS to
DEMIRS occurring on 1 December 2023?
(2) Upon what
advice and consultation was the decision made for the name change, who was the
recipient of the advice and what commercial consideration was paid for the
receipt of said advice or consultation?
(3) What is the
total of all costs associated with the name change or rebranding encompassing all
facets of the departmental rebrand including signage, stationery reprinting and
advertising?
(4) Will the
minister detail to the house how this name change will assist in rectifying and
addressing the multitude of critical energy crises facing the state of Western Australia?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
RENAMING
1430. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy:
It feels like a Thursday! I refer
to the minister's media statement of 3 November 2023 announcing the
renaming of the Department of Mines,
Industry Regulation and Safety, DMIRS, to the Department of Energy, Mines,
Industry Regulation and Safety, DEMIRS, from 1 December 2023.
(1) What are the
measurable and tangible benefits associated with the name change of DMIRS to
DEMIRS occurring on 1 December 2023?
(2) Upon what
advice and consultation was the decision made for the name change, who was the
recipient of the advice and what commercial consideration was paid for the
receipt of said advice or consultation?
(3) What is the
total of all costs associated with the name change or rebranding encompassing all
facets of the departmental rebrand including signage, stationery reprinting and
advertising?
(4) Will the
minister detail to the house how this name change will assist in rectifying and
addressing the multitude of critical energy crises facing the state of Western Australia?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy. The following response has been provided
by the Minister for Energy.
(1)–(2) The Minister for Energy, in consultation with
members of the energy sector and staff of Energy Policy WA , made the
decision to change the department's name to better reflect the
importance of Western Australia's energy portfolio and the critical
role it will play in the Cook government's decarbonisation ambitions.
No commercial costs were associated with this decision.
(3) The department is funding the change from within
existing budget. Operational costs, non-salary, associated with the name
change are estimated to be approximately $300 000.
(4) When the
former government changed the name of the Office of Energy to the Public
Utilities Office, the issue of energy policy stopped being a priority of
government. The decision to include energy in the name completes the emphasis
on energy policy that has occurred during the life of this Labor government,
which ensures our transition to a low carbon future is properly recognised.
(5) Not applicable.
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy. The following response has been provided
by the Minister for Energy.
(1)–(2) The Minister for Energy, in consultation with
members of the energy sector and staff of Energy Policy WA , made the
decision to change the department's name to better reflect the
importance of Western Australia's energy portfolio and the critical
role it will play in the Cook government's decarbonisation ambitions.
No commercial costs were associated with this decision.
(3) The department is funding the change from within
existing budget. Operational costs, non-salary, associated with the name
change are estimated to be approximately $300 000.
(4) When the
former government changed the name of the Office of Energy to the Public
Utilities Office, the issue of energy policy stopped being a priority of
government. The decision to include energy in the name completes the emphasis
on energy policy that has occurred during the life of this Labor government,
which ensures our transition to a low carbon future is properly recognised.
(5) Not applicable.
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