Electricity Generation

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Does the minister stand by his advice to the house that the closure of the Hazelwood power station in Victoria will be 'good for South Australia' and, if so, will he advise the house of the source of the advice he has received?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:58): I can advise the house that, as of today, a great thing has occurred. The second unit at Pelican Point is for the first time, other than being directed, dispatching voluntarily into the South Australian market. When I suggested that, with the planned closure of the Hazelwood power station, this would occur, with more generation in South Australia, members opposite ridiculed us, but here we are today with proof in the pudding.

There are now more electrons being made in South Australia, more electrons being produced in South Australia. More South Australian gas is being burnt to make South Australian power in South Australia, rather than being reliant on interconnection from across the border. The more we produce in South Australia is absolutely a good thing.