Gas Industry

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:11): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Is the minister aware of the inaugural top 20 Australian gas leaders list? If so, is there anything about this list of which South Australia can be proud?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:11): I thank the honourable member for his question and his keen interest in the investment in jobs and prosperity generated by the South Australian oil and gas industry. It has been brought to my attention that Gas Today, a magazine dedicated to reporting on the natural gas sector from upstream through to export and the offshore industry, this year began to publish a top 20 list of Australian gas leaders.

Ms Chapman: And you are on the top of the list.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Alas, no. Gas Today says its list is a mix of influential gas stalwarts and upcoming visionaries who have made a significant impact on our nation's gas industry. I am delighted to say that this list rightfully acknowledges South Australia's contribution to the national gas industry.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes. Coming in at number one is Mr Barry Goldstein—

Mr KNOLL: Point of order, Mr Speaker. By the minister's own inference this information is publicly available on gastoday.com.au.

The SPEAKER: Has the member for Schubert sent this to me?

Mr KNOLL: It is a PDF. It is available online.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: If I may, sir—

The SPEAKER: Yes, you may.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The question was whether there was anything about this list that would make South Australia proud, and that is what I am expanding on. I suppose to—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am delighted to say that this list rightfully acknowledges one of South Australia's own. Coming in at number one is Barry Goldstein, the executive director of the Energy Resources Division of the Department of State Development. Barry was recognised by Gas Today for his unique contribution to the industry through bringing his bad jokes and his decades of experience as an exploration manager and chief geologist to bear in his work as a regulator. In his role with the Department of State Development Barry has helped to design and implement efficient and effective legislation, government policy and regulation.

Barry is one of only two industry regulators to make the inaugural list. His inclusion builds on the other accolades he has received from the industry in recent years. In 2014 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia to match the American Association of Petroleum Geologists' Distinguished Service Award that he received in 2008. In 2013 the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conferred on him the Lewis G. Weeks Gold Award. The award winner must have made an outstanding contribution to the art, science or practice of petroleum exploration by demonstrating distinguished service to the industry in the development or application of exploration techniques, or in teaching.

Barry's service to the government and Australia was acknowledged with a Public Service Medal in the Australian national New Year's Honours list in 2014. Mr Goldstein has played an integral part in establishing the round table that is helping to guide the implementation of the Roadmap for Unconventional Gas Projects in South Australia. This road map has made South Australia the epicentre for the energy revolution gripping this industry. His experience and expertise will undoubtedly be a factor in the further expansion of the Cooper Basin, which has already grown to become Australia's largest onshore oil province during his stewardship.

It has never been more important to support the hardworking and diligent regulators of this state at a time when vocal interest groups seek to undermine the credibility of risk management and environmental assessment, member for Mount Gambier. Regulators are often accused of being too close to the industries they regulate by activities—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Yes; the minister should wind up now.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Thank you, sir. Regulators are often accused of being too close to the industries they regulate by activists who aren't willing or are simply too afraid to try to win arguments based on facts and scientific evidence.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Yes; I think that's enough. The member for Davenport.