ENERGY RESOURCES DIVISION

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:55): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Can the minister inform the house of the significant milestone of the Energy Resources Division of DMITRE?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:56): I thank the member for her question and her keen interest in all things oil and gas. It was an honour to celebrate, acknowledge and reflect on the wonderful work of the Energy Resources Division as it celebrated its 50^th birthday at the Convention Centre on Friday night. I acknowledge the attendance of the shadow minister and his lovely wife who came along to help celebrate that night in a bipartisan way; we hope not to lose him any time soon.

The Energy Resources Division, together with the Mineral Resources Division, are responsible for delivering some of the state's most exciting economic developments. In summing up how the Energy Resources Division is perceived globally, I quote from the recently released 2012 Fraser Institute Global Petroleum—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Whetstone interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Chaffey, order! Minister.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: In summing up how the Energy Resources Division is perceived globally, I quote from the recently released 2012 Fraser Institute Global Petroleum—

Ms Chapman: The Fraser Institute?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes.

Ms Chapman: Those climate sceptics?

The SPEAKER: Member for Bragg, will you leave the chamber until the end of question time.

The honourable member for Bragg having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I did see her pass by, ma'am. I quote the Fraser Institute—the conservative Canadian Fraser Institute, not the one that the members opposite are aligned to. They see our department as being the best organised, the only jurisdiction that anticipates problems, and having the most competent and knowledgeable staff. Not only will the work of the division done to date deliver benefits for all South Australians for decades to come, but I am sure their tradition of excellence will also continue well into the future.

The support from industry at the event was testament to the high regard in which the division is held. Throughout the evening, guests heard from Stedman Ellis, the Chief Operating Officer, Western Region of APPEA, and a former ministerial adviser to conservative mines minister Norman Moore; James Baulderstone, the Vice President Eastern Australia, SANTOS; and Reg Nelson, the Managing Director of Beach Energy. All expressed their admiration for the hard work and common-sense approach to regulation of the South Australian Energy Resources Division.

Mr Nelson wanted to talk about the new regulations imposed upon Beach by the new Newman government, which were so onerous that they fly people into South Australia to use the toilet. A common theme across the evening was how the division has grown in parallel with industry during the past 50 years. As James Baulderstone said on the night:

The oil and gas industry has a strong history in South Australia, characterised by ingenuity and hard work on the part of the industry and its regulators.

He goes on to say:

Our industry's regulator...has worked consistently to facilitate the development in the sector, not just govern it. It's an important distinction.

The division is renowned for living and breathing a 'can do' attitude that is coupled with a collaborative and outward-looking approach that helps deliver the benefits of the mining boom for all South Australians. A long line of influential leaders have developed a team into its key roles as industry regulator, a promoter to attract investment and a source of trusted advice. It is said that knowledge is power, and the petroleum industry is more aware than most of its perceived 'standing on the shoulders of giants' by learning from the past. The division's expertise and advice are sought nationally and internationally for both petroleum and geothermal energy, and it is a testament to their approach that often South Australia leads the way.

The work of the Energy Resources Division means that I can stand here today and say that the petroleum industry is an intrinsic part of our state's economy. For the past 50 years, it has been a socially responsible employer, and it has been a major wealth creator. However, I believe the next 50 years will set South Australia apart from the rest of the nation in the way in which we manage emerging gas and oil players.

This government is committed to growing a robust and vibrant resources sector that will benefit all South Australians. The Energy Resources Division of DMITRE will continue to provide 'one window into government' for industry, and it will strive to continue to be Australia's best regulatory agency for the upstream petroleum and geothermal energy sectors. I am extremely confident that the division will continue to deliver leading edge, effective and efficient regulation, with a strong focus on environmental assessment to provide a framework for industry's ongoing social licence to operate. Madam Speaker—

The SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am sorry, ma'am. I congratulate the department on its 50 years.