Operating Expenses

In reply to the Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (26 September 2018). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining): There is a reduction in the Department for Energy and Mining budgeted operating expenses from $200 million in 2018-19 to $130 million in 2021-22. I am advised that this $70 million reduction is primarily due to the completion programs of the former Government which are budgeted early in the forward estimates.

A previously stated, this government will honour all contracted commitments to projects supported by the former government's Energy Plan. Of the $70 million reduction in operating expenses, $49.9 million relates to the completion of programs such as the Renewable Technology Grant Fund. A further $10.8 million of the movement is attributed to the completion of the Energy Productivity Program.

The residual balance of the operating budget movement primarily relates to new savings initiatives which are outlined on pages 56 to 58 of the 2018-19 Budget Measures Statement, part 2.