Renewable Energy

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (15:22): Supplementary: I thank the minister for his response. In his response he only named two factors that he said were driving the government's policy, that is, to decrease the cost of electricity and to maximise the security of supply. Are there any other considerations that the minister thinks are important in our electricity supply; for example, reducing our carbon footprint?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:22): Yes, there are many other factors, including reducing emissions. There are many other factors as well in relation to both our National Electricity Market and managing the mix that goes into the national energy market and the electricity market in particular in South Australia. However, there are related issues, some of which we debated only last week in relation to gas supply, gas reserves and how we might access them. So there are significant economic and environmental issues in relation to those particular issues as well.

Let me comfort the honourable member by acknowledging his green credentials and my very significant green credentials, by indicating that I understand the point he is making. I can only agree with him. The extent of the agreement we will have to canvass on the particular issues at the time.