❓ Mr. Grylls questions the Premier about the State Fleet's refusal to trial biodiesel in government vehicles and Verve Energy's biodiesel usage. The Premier defends the government's actions, citing warranty concerns and existing biodiesel initiatives.
AnsweredQoN 588Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
BIODIESEL - USE BY GOVERNMENT
Given that the Premier’s government helped convene the 2006 Alternative Transport Energies Conference being held in Perth, and given a supporting media release last Friday by the acting planning and infrastructure minister in which it was stated that the time was right to consider alternative fuels and new technologies - (1) Is the Premier aware that State Fleet WA is not prepared to allow the Nationals to trial a single diesel-powered government vehicle on biodiesel or a biodiesel blend because of warranty issues? (2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
Given that the Premier’s government helped convene the 2006 Alternative Transport Energies Conference being held in Perth, and given a supporting media release last Friday by the acting planning and infrastructure minister in which it was stated that the time was right to consider alternative fuels and new technologies - (1) Is the Premier aware that State Fleet WA is not prepared to allow the Nationals to trial a single diesel-powered government vehicle on biodiesel or a biodiesel blend because of warranty issues? (2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(1) Is the Premier aware that State Fleet WA is not prepared to allow the Nationals to trial a single diesel-powered government vehicle on biodiesel or a biodiesel blend because of warranty issues? (2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(1) Is the Premier aware that State Fleet WA is not prepared to allow the Nationals to trial a single diesel-powered government vehicle on biodiesel or a biodiesel blend because of warranty issues? (2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(2) What is the Premier prepared to do to address this absurd situation and send a more positive message to the alternative fuel industry? (3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(3) What is the Premier doing to encourage Verve Energy, which consumed about 60 million litres of imported petroleum diesel in 2005-06, to increase its use of biodiesel? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and his interest in this issue. If the National Party wants to trial some alternative fuels, it should go ahead and do it. What is stopping the member from doing it with his own vehicle? Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls : Send a message from the government. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : We do not have any control whatsoever over what National Party members want to use in their vehicles. National Party members can have their own set of policies. If ever the National Party gets into government, it can employ its policies with the government vehicle fleet. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : National Party members can run their own vehicles that way. Let me explain. State Fleet has sought input from the major diesel vehicle manufacturers on their endorsement of the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Some manufacturers have indicated tentative support for a blend of no more than five per cent biodiesel without compromising new vehicle warranty. There is no support from any of the vehicle manufacturers for the use of blends higher than five per cent. All manufacturers contacted have indicated that the use of such fuels would void engine warranty. The member may also be aware that in September 2005 the government established a biodiesel task force to ensure that Western Australia develops an economically and environmentally sustainable biodiesel industry. We are doing that in government. Do I recall anything like this being done before? I do not think so. There is the answer. The previous government did nothing; this government is helping to establish biodiesel plants. We have overseen the establishment of a biodiesel refinery module. Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not know what is going on in the electorate of the member for Merredin. Perhaps the lack of rain out there has affected his balance. Did the member also ask about Verve Energy? Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr B.J. Grylls : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He did. I love Verve Energy. I am advised that Verve Energy has trialled the use of biodiesel in one of its gas turbines. The initial trial was a success, and Verve Energy is now planning a more extensive trial over a period. Is this sort of innovation happening anywhere else in Australia? Can the Leader of the National Party tell me that? Verve Energy hopes to be able to approve the use of biodiesel as an effective substitute for mineral diesel by the end of the financial year.
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