Electricity Generation

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Given the minister's commitment, will the government be taking over responsibility for providing guaranteed service level compensation payments in the event that load shedding occurs?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:17): Mr Speaker, you will see in the coming weeks the policy position of this government in relation to energy. We said on the first day, when we responded to that completely unnecessary blackout, that it was both unnecessary and it demonstrated that the National Electricity Market was broken and that we would be taking charge of our energy future. That is the vision we set for South Australia, and I must say I have been gratified with the—

Mr MARSHALL: Point of order, sir: I ask that you bring the Premier back to the substance of the question as to whether or not the government of South Australia will be taking up responsibility for service level compensation should load shedding occur.

The SPEAKER: Well, we're clear on what the question is. Premier.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I am addressing the plan. It was said that when you reveal the plan, the preference was—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I am explaining the policy formulation of the plan.

The SPEAKER: Could the Premier go for more than 15 seconds before we judge whether or not he is being relevant?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: This is entirely germane. When we set out that ambitious goal to be self-sufficient in relation to our energy needs in South Australia, I was incredibly heartened by the way in which industry responded and, frankly, by how some of the national institutions responded to us in seeking to achieve that objective. We have been doing some very detailed analysis and work. It was well advanced before we made that call, but it will now be the subject of a detailed plan that will be revealed to the people of South Australia in due measure.

The SPEAKER: Could the Premier perhaps turn his attention to the question about compensation?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I will address all of these issues, Mr Speaker. All of the matters that will be addressed in the plan will be fully explained and discussed—all of the questions, including questions of nationalisation of our former assets, the way in which this will affect reliability, cleanliness and security of supply. All of those matters will be addressed. I will say this about the question of compensation, the primary responsibility for compensation which exists in a system which is entirely owned by private sector operators is on the heads of those private sector operators.

Ms Chapman: It's a big no.

The SPEAKER: Well, I think it is certainly a direct answer to the question. I call to order the member for Morialta and I warn for the second and final time, with a heavy heart, the member for Hartley.