Electricity Generation

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:36): Supplementary to that earlier answer provided by the minister: given that we are spending $360 million of capital, what is the likely income and expenditure cost to the state in terms of interest on the $360 million expenditure, the depreciation charge on that $360 million worth of expenditure and the ongoing annual operating costs for the new plant?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:37): As we said on the day we launched this, the Premier and I announced that we will be making public all those costs that are available to us on budget day, as we would with all other expenditure. I also point out that Business SA put out its own work saying that the statewide blackout cost South Australian industry $360 million or so for that four-hour blackout. If we avoid one system black through our generator, it has paid for itself.

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Hartley.