Hydrogen Jobs Plan

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:15): My question again is to the Premier. Will the government's flagship hydrogen power plant at Whyalla deliver thousands of new jobs for South Australians as promised? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: The South Australian Labor Hydrogen Jobs Plan election policy document states that Labor will:

Deliver thousands of new jobs for South Australians.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:15): There is plenty of evidence that hydrogen will create hundreds and hundreds of jobs. I want to read to the house some quotes about people's optimism about hydrogen. There is one quote that says:

…and hydrogen, which has emerged as an area of future growth.

That is one person quoting what their views are on hydrogen. Another person says:

…hydrogen really has a fantastic ability. It is going to provide clean energy going forward, and it will support the transition to low-emissions energy across not only electricity but also potentially going forward heating transport and industry as well.

Another quote says:

Certainly hydrogen has great opportunities, and so it is fantastic that this government has put in place steps towards seeing this project, which will be a trial, and then going forward hopefully it will be expanded. As the energy minister said, people will look back in 10 to 20 years and say, 'Well, this was the first step but a vital step going forward for not only South Australia but also nationally.'

There are more quotes:

So not only can they export hydrogen nationally but there is also great potential in terms of using hydrogen as a transport fuel to allow that to be exported internationally as well…The strategic value of the South Australian portfolio is significant in our jurisdiction which is undergoing one of the most rapid energy transitions in the world.

This is certainly optimistic talk about the benefits of hydrogen.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Who are they? The Leader of the Opposition and the shadow energy minister. Turn that frown upside down! Oh no, oh no! Germany is decarbonising its steel industry. It needs to import—here we go, you might get that KC one day.

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader?

Mr TEAGUE: There is a point of order under standing order 98(a). It is all very well what others have said, the question goes to whether Labor's plan will deliver thousands of jobs. The question needs to be answered. He's debating it 1997 101 style.

The SPEAKER: I think the minister is getting to the answer.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I would have thought if you did debating at Bond University you would know that what you don't do is attack your leader. He's the one saying it's going to be fantastic and so is your shadow minister. Why would you criticise them so publicly? What we heard two former ministers say was the potential of hydrogen to create jobs. If they believe it, why don't you?

The SPEAKER: The minister has concluded his answer.