House of Assembly Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement Renewable Energy Renewable Energy The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly Cheltenham Premier The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:03): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement. Leave granted. The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Last year, the government sought to suspend standing orders to debate two matters of grave importance to the South Australian economy: Holden and wind farms. Since becoming Prime Minister, we have seen what Tony Abbott has done to Holden, and now he is coming for our renewable energy sector. His proposed cuts to the renewable energy target will hurt existing projects, undermine new investment, and will force up household power prices. The federal Labor Party has been in discussions with the federal government to try to find a workable solution, but it has become clear that they have no interest in clean energy jobs and investment. They may talk about a 'real 20 per cent' but what they really mean is a 40 per cent cut to the target. For too long, federal policy uncertainty has stalled new investment in the renewable energy sector. Now, that uncertainty is being replaced by the worst-case scenario from the ideologically driven Warburton report, further damaging an exciting industry. The state government supports a strong and expanding renewable sector because it lowers power prices, creates new manufacturing and clean energy jobs, and reduces Australia's carbon pollution. This is why the state government has made renewable energy investment a priority. Today, South Australia leads the nation when it comes to clean energy. If South Australia was a nation, we would be second only to Denmark when it comes to clean energy generation. We have a strong competitive advantage in renewable energy generation, with outstanding resources close to existing infrastructure. The decisions this government has made have supported industry to harness these natural advantages and build a nation-leading industry essentially from scratch. If you compare our actions with those of the federal government, the contrast could not be more stark. That is why today I can announce that I will convene a clean energy summit. The summit will bring together clean energy companies, investors and interest groups to respond to the crisis facing the renewable energy sector, and be held before Christmas. South Australia's manufacturing industry is facing severe pressures. The federal government has driven our automotive industry offshore and has our shipbuilding industry hanging on by a thread. The last thing South Australia needs— Members interjecting: The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Mr Mazda over there. The Speaker House of Assembly The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is called to order. The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: The last thing South Australia needs is another industry packing up because of the sovereign risk created by a federal government breaking another election commitment by proposing to water down the RET. This government will continue to stand up for South Australia's jobs and investment and calls on all members of this place— Members interjecting: The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Here is your opportunity—to support our clean energy summit. Mr Williams House of Assembly Mr Williams: Just another whinge! The Speaker House of Assembly The SPEAKER: The member for MacKillop is called to order. That's my whinge!