Mineral and Energy Resources

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Minister, can you outline to the house the effect of the federal leadership change and cabinet reshuffle on South Australia for mineral resources and energy, especially in relation to unlocking the full potential of our state's copper and uranium resources?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:04): I thank the member for his question, his ongoing interest in mining and his support for the government's economic priority of unlocking the full potential of our resources, energy and renewable assets. The reshuffle announced by incoming Prime Minister Turnbull has brought new faces into the industry, resources and energy portfolios. From the outset, I want to thank outgoing minister Macfarlane for his strong support in further developing South Australia's mineral and oil and gas sectors.

He has followed, with keen interest, the advances made in this state, in particular, the establishment of the royal commission into the nuclear fuel cycle and our commitment to a comprehensive copper strategy. Minister Macfarlane recognised the infrastructure requirements for our resources and energy sector and knows how important it is to have the road, rail and port links that provide a pathway to market for our exports. I thank him for his service and I thank him for his friendship.

I hope, and am sure, that incoming minister Frydenberg and, of course, incoming Treasurer Scott Morrison have the same positive attitude as their predecessors towards the infrastructure needs of our copper belt and the importance of sealing the Strzelecki Track to support ongoing development in our Cooper Basin. South Australia's geology and geography put us in an enviable position to develop our vast copper resource to supply the growing needs of the powerhouse economies of our region.

Another area in which I will be seeking cooperation from the federal government is in framing our response to the findings of the royal commission into the nuclear fuel cycle. I note that minister Frydenberg recently endorsed the royal commission, calling it 'a good opportunity to have a community discussion about these issues to examine the opportunities and the risks'. I also note in his first speech to parliament, as a new member of parliament, he identified the need for a constructive and thorough debate about nuclear power as the only base load carbon neutral energy source. Of course, without pre-empting the commissioner's findings, due next May, I think it is fair to say that commonwealth and state governments will have their work cut out for them to cooperatively and collaboratively analyse the recommendations of this most important generational inquiry.

I look forward to working with new minister Frydenberg. We have had many conversations. I met with incoming new Treasurer Scott Morrison last week and I am looking forward to seeing him again on Thursday and Friday, talking about the Harper review into productivity and, of course, state-based tax reform. I welcomed his comments when he congratulated the state Labor government on its tax reform package and spoke of the merits of the tax reform package, which was in stark contrast, of course, to members opposite, who derided it.