Bills

National Gas (South Australia) (Capacity Trading and Auctions) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Debate resumed.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (20:17): I thank everyone who has spoken and contributed to this. I acknowledge the shadow minister, who committed to this house a while ago that whenever legislation came to the South Australian parliament from COAG he and his party would not impede its passage through this place.

I appreciate the fact he is doing exactly what I did in opposition; nothing stops him from sharing a personal view on legislation, but I think that is a very responsible approach. I also appreciate the member for Davenport's always thorough and considered contribution to the debate. Picking up on something the shadow minister said, transparency is critical to get liquidity and liquidity is critical to get prices down and have an efficient, effective market that does its very best. On that we agree.

I would also like to put on the record my thanks to Dr Michael Vertigan, who chaired the Gas Market Reform Group. This is very important work. I have had the opportunity to meet Dr Vertigan only once since becoming a minister, but it was very clear that he, amongst others, was capable, passionate and focused on his work. He has led the work that has brought this to our chamber.

Like all others here, and hopefully like all others in the other place, we want this to be another step towards greater liquidity in the gas market. This is important for many reasons, not least of which is because it will contribute to lower electricity prices and many important industrial and household opportunities across the state. Again, I thank members who spoke and appreciate both sides of this chamber for supporting this bill. I commend the bill to the house.

Bill read a second time.

Third Reading

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (20:20): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.