Ministerial Statement

Zema, Mr Matt

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Matt Zema, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), passed away suddenly at his home in Melbourne on Saturday 23 July 2016. This state and Australia have lost a good, decent and exceptional man. Matt was a passionate South Australian with deep family connections in the South-East of our state, coming from the Coonawarra, where his family own and operate the iconic family winery, Zema Estate.

Over a distinguished 30-year career in energy, Matt accomplished many things, not least of which was playing an integral role in the development and creation of AEMO as its founding chief executive officer in 2008. His vast knowledge and expertise in the operation of the National Electricity Market will be very difficult to replace, but such was the professionalism of the man that he built an organisation that will no doubt cope with such a traumatic and sudden loss.

No other person in this country had a greater expertise and knowledge of our electricity market than Matt. He helped build this nation by operating a national market that was changing daily but always ensured our industries and homes had electricity delivered reliably. He was instrumental in delivering the Moomba gas hub and a number of initiatives that helped assist South Australia and the nation develop its industrial base.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Matt because not only was he a trusted adviser and confidant to the South Australian government but he was a good friend and I will miss him deeply. We are all better for having known him and for his service, as a nation and as individuals. Our nation has lost an exceptional individual, and his family has lost a loving husband and father. My deepest sympathies to his wife, Teresa, his son, Demetrio, and his family here in South Australia. May he rest in peace.