Remote Aboriginal Communities, Electricity Infrastructure

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (24 March 2015).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers):

1. Government is continuing to assess options to improve the efficiency of electricity supply to South Australia's remote Aboriginal communities and seeks to build on the progress established through the recent ‘Safe and Smart Power Program’ delivered across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.

2. The Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy is responsible for electricity supply to South Australia's remote Aboriginal communities through the Remote Areas Energy Supplies Scheme administered by the Department of State Development.

3. The government has consulted widely with government and non-government agencies in relation to the recommendations of the Bushlight report. Proposals for electricity supply in South Australia's remote Aboriginal communities are currently in development through the Remote Areas Energy Supplies Scheme. The initiatives contained within the proposals will be informed by the Bushlight report.