Question Time

Electricity Prices

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. Does the minister expect power prices to increase for regional households and businesses following the closure of the Hazelwood power station?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:03): I am—

Mr Knoll: Your time to shine, Jack.

The SPEAKER: The member for Schubert is called to order.

Mr Knoll interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Schubert is warned.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: On behalf of the Minister for Energy, whose portfolio responsibility it is, I can advise the house that my advice, received shortly before question time, is that the Australian Energy Market Operator has released a statement saying that the closure of the Hazelwood station will not have an impact on reliability of electricity supply across the country. With regard to prices, we have a competitive market and, as any good capitalist would say, competition will always lead to good price outcomes.