Power Infrastructure

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:51): My question again is for the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Has the minister convinced COAG to allow South Australia to retake control of our power network, as he told this house that he would in his statement of 16 February? If not, will he introduce legislation in our parliament to do so without COAG support?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:52): We are determined, because of the stalemate that has occurred at a national level because we don't see national leadership in relation to the National Electricity Market, to take control of our energy future. People believe that the supply of electricity is a public good. They believe it belongs in public hands, and that's why they are so angry with the Liberal Party for privatising the Electricity Trust of South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: You may not like it, but you only need to ask the community about this, and this is what they will say. Of course, it is a very difficult matter to unscramble a privatisation of an electricity market, but we are seriously examining that option because it is something that we are duty-bound to examine. We need to be able to explain to the South Australian community all the options for taking control of our energy future. We are absolutely determined to ensure that we can warrant to the people of South Australia, and also the businesses of South Australia, that they have a secure energy future.

We believe, on this side of the house, that climate change is real. We believe that renewable energy represents our energy future. We believe that investment in new technologies will assist us to provide a secure energy future for ourselves here in South Australia. We are not looking to the past. We are looking to the future, and we are going to take control of our future in South Australia's interests.

The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Davenport. I warn the member for Kavel, who is living up to every calumny cast at him by the Deputy Premier. I warn the Treasurer, and I warn the member for Unley for the second and therefore the last time. Deputy leader.