Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Stand-Alone Power Systems) Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading (resumed on motion).

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (15:51): It is very generous of you, Mr Speaker to give me the resumption. I had the opportunity to be briefed by the minister's office between the sitting and lunch. I can confirm that the opposition will probably be satisfied with this bill once I am given the opportunity to take it to my shadow cabinet in the new year. Again, I thank the minister for the briefing. I understand there is no particular rush to get this legislation through. I have some questions I would like to ask the minister in the committee stage. Other than that, we will be making our position known between the houses. I look forward to the committee stage.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (15:52): I will take this opportunity to say a few words in closing, and then we will presumably go into committee in February, when the parliament resumes. This is a pretty straightforward bill in many ways, but it does make a fairly significant change. Some of the issues the member opposite raised in his second reading contribution I know have been addressed through the lunch break, when he was able to receive a briefing from my staff.

Let me just say very quickly in the short amount of time that we have left that this is something that is very positive. It is a practical solution. It is the first phase of potentially more changes in this area, but it is only the first phase that is in this bill. It is where distribution companies actually have the right to own the standalone power systems. They would then have the responsibility, if it is advantageous, to disconnect the standalone power system from the grid, but the distribution company would still have the responsibility to make sure that customers on that standalone grid are not disadvantaged in any way.

It does not let the distribution company get out of any responsibilities at all. In fact, it might well be that the distribution company can save some money and the customers who are on that distribution line would be better off. I am just confirming for the member opposite one of his questions. This is a national bill. It is not just a state bill, but certainly different states will have different opportunities with regard to various definitions. I seek leave to continue my remarks.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

Dr HARVEY: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed: