Project EnergyConnect

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:11): My question is to the Minister for Energy. Will the minister rule out underwriting TransGrid's portion of the EnergyConnect project in New South Wales?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:12): Just to be sure I have got this: would I rule out underwriting TransGrid's portion of the cost in New South Wales? We are already clearly on the record, and I said it a few minutes ago: we are already underwriting work on both sides of the border to keep this—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: As I said five minutes ago—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister will not respond to interjections. The minister has the call.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: As I said five minutes ago and I say again: it is a matter of public record. We are underwriting work on both sides of the border, with ElectraNet in South Australia and with TransGrid in New South Wales, to keep the project moving, to keep it on the time line, because we are determined that South Australians get the benefits of this project as quickly as possible. To ask: would we do any underwriting on the other side of the border, only demonstrates a misunderstanding or a very poor lack of homework.