Hydrogen Electrolysers

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:34): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier update the house as to why no hydrogen electrolysers were ordered or purchased? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PATTERSON: The government has budgeted $220 million for 250 megawatts of hydrogen electrolysers; however, the CSIRO indicates they would have cost over $650 million. This wasn't even included in the amounts identified by the Auditor-General as spending or contingent liabilities that totalled $497 million.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier, Minister for Defence and Space Industries) (14:35): So the shadow minister has asked why we didn't order or procure the hydrogen electrolysers. That is because earlier this year, in January and February, the government made the decision to change our plans and focus on the saving of the steelworks, and I am very glad we did.