CARBON NEUTRAL ECONOMY

The Hon. M. PARNELL (15:13): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police, representing the Treasurer, a question about creating a carbon neutral economy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M. PARNELL: Members may recall that, a couple of months ago, the Treasurer was in the news, after having addressed a Committee for Economic Development of Australia lunch. He was most reported in that address for his comment about South Australians being 'a bunch of bloody whingers'. However, in that speech he did make another comment which I find quite intriguing. He said, 'We want to have a green economy; a carbon neutral economy.' My questions are:

1. What is a carbon neutral economy?

2. What is the time frame for achieving a carbon neutral economy, given the target that we have set in legislation of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by the year 2050?

3. How does the Treasurer propose that South Australia will achieve a carbon neutral economy, given the large range of carbon intensive projects that are currently on the drawing board in this state?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:14): I will see whether the Treasurer can forward a copy of his speech to the honourable member so that the honourable member can be enlightened. I am interested in reading it myself.