❓ Hon. Kate Doust asks the Minister for Energy about media reports of a potential state government purchase of Alinta. The Minister denies any such discussions or intentions, calling the reports inaccurate and irresponsible.
AnsweredQoN 39Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ALINTA — POTENTIAL PURCHASE BY STATE GOVERNMENT 39. Hon KATE DOUST to the Minister for Energy: I seek clarification from the minister about his comments in the media about the potential purchase of Alinta by the state government in order to clear up public confusion about his comments. (1) Has the minister or any of his staff had any discussions with the owners of Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government? (2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
ALINTA — POTENTIAL PURCHASE BY STATE GOVERNMENT
I seek clarification from the minister about his comments in the media about the potential purchase of Alinta by the state government in order to clear up public confusion about his comments. (1) Has the minister or any of his staff had any discussions with the owners of Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government? (2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(1) Has the minister or any of his staff had any discussions with the owners of Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government? (2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
ALINTA — POTENTIAL PURCHASE BY STATE GOVERNMENT
I seek clarification from the minister about his comments in the media about the potential purchase of Alinta by the state government in order to clear up public confusion about his comments. (1) Has the minister or any of his staff had any discussions with the owners of Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government? (2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(1) Has the minister or any of his staff had any discussions with the owners of Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government? (2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(2) Can the minister confirm or deny that any minister has been involved in any discussions with Alinta about the purchase of any of the parts of Alinta by the state government; and, if yes, which ministers? (3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(3) Can the minister confirm or deny whether the state government currently has any intention to purchase any of the parts of Alinta? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
I thank the honourable member for the question. I am delighted to be asked the question, because it is particularly relevant. I was quite flabbergasted last night when I watched the ABC news. I was watching to see if there was any coverage of the Auditor General’s report on TAFE lecturers, because Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and I did an interview for the ABC. That is what I expected to see, but instead the first news story was that I was considering purchasing Alinta. It was also reported that I had had discussions with the Premier and various industry groups about the purchase of Alinta. I can answer the member quite categorically. (1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(1) No. (2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(2) No. (3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
(3) No. I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
I was absolutely flabbergasted; it was completely irresponsible journalism. Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon Kate Doust : Why didn’t you say that yesterday? You wouldn’t deny it yesterday. Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
Hon PETER COLLIER : They did not ask me that question yesterday. The journalist asked me a very flippant question right at the end of an interview about the Auditor General’s report. It was a flippant question to which I gave little consideration. In direct response to the honourable member’s questions, no, I have never had any discussions with Alinta or the owners of Alinta; as far as I know, none of my staff have, and I would be staggered if they had without telling me, and I can all but guarantee that that is the case. No other ministers, to my knowledge, have been involved in discussions and again, I would be staggered if they had. I doubt that they have; certainly the Premier has not, and I have had no discussions with the Premier about this. The news article last night was completely and manifestly inaccurate and incorrect. The government has no intention whatsoever to access Babcock & Brown’s interest in Alinta. The story was a fabrication; it was devoid of logic, devoid of truth and without substance. I thank the member for the question.
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