Hydrogen Power Plant

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:45): My question is to the Premier. Will the government still build its flagship hydrogen power plant if it does not have an offtake partner?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:45): Hypothetical questions are out of order, but I think the Premier has answered this question numerous times. This is the same question asked over and over again.

The truth is I would much rather have a debate about whether hydrogen plays a role in the future economy or not, because we have these contradictory remarks from members opposite. While they are in government they are supportive of hydrogen, they think it has promise, they want to invest in it. The moment they lose office—and we in a bipartisan way continue that, and continue more investment in hydrogen—they simply turn on it because we are doing it. It's just opposition for opposition's sake.

So these hypothetical questions that the members opposite are asking serve no purpose for the political debate whatsoever. They are not about trying to find information, they are not about trying to improve the debate—it is simply about trying to score cheap political points, and I really wish the opposition would follow my lead and rise above it. Just rise above it; rise above the political fray.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I can't hear you from Texas, mate, it's just too far—sorry. As I said, rise above the political debate; no more of these personal insults and all the rest. I would just say let's have a debate about renewable energy, let's have a debate about green hydrogen, let's have a debate about grid-scale battery storage, let's have a debate about wind farms and solar panels, let's have a debate about new industries, let's have a debate about climate change. Let's just have that debate rather than pretend that this is bipartisan, because it's not—clearly not.

Members opposite did not support the transition to a low-carbon economy. They did not support what we are attempting to do. And what they are now attempting is to walk on both sides of the street, one minute saying, 'How dare you not build it. Are you building it? How much will it cost? Will it create jobs?' All these things—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I have to say the excitement from the debutant deputy leader is really inspiring. It really is inspiring—it's just great. It's great to see out of a pool of 13, he is the best you've got.