Generators

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:52): My question is to the Minister for Energy. As the government's option to purchase the stand-by diesel generators existed until after the 2018-19 summer, what is the benefit to the taxpayers of exercising that option early?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:52): We can start planning for their permanent location now. Let's look at the alternative. Imagine we are spending money and time finding a permanent location when we haven't bought them yet—all the questions I would be getting then. What would they be saying then? Welcome back to the debate, by the way.

What would the opposition be saying to me now if I was spending money and time on generators that we didn't own, searching for a permanent solution? Perhaps then members opposite would be saying to me why am I wasting money on site surveys, why am I wasting money on consultations, why am I wasting time organising gas contracts, why am I wasting my time organising transmission connections, why am I wasting my time training up public servants to run these generators. But when we buy these generators, apparently that is a waste of money. The real question is: why is the opposition so upset that we have exercised these rights? What are they hiding?

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order, sir: as soon as the minister says, 'The real question is,' he has entered into debate.

The SPEAKER: Not necessarily. Is the Treasurer finished?

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order then, sir: please bring him back to the substance of the question which is: what is the benefit to the taxpayer?

The SPEAKER: That is just your opinion, rather than a point of order. You are allowed to have your opinion, of course. The member for Fisher.