Public Transport Privatisation

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, representing the Minister for Transport, on the subject of rail outsourcing.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: One of the strategic objectives of the Carbon Neutral Adelaide Action Plan is zero net emissions from public transport. The action plan includes a commitment that the tram and train network will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2021. The government has also announced its intention to privatise or outsource Adelaide's tram and train network. My questions of the minister are:

1. In a privatised or outsourced tram and train network, who will pay for the electricity, gas or diesel? Will it be the state government or will it be the anticipated new private operators?

2. Regardless of who pays for the electricity, gas or diesel, will the commitment to use 100 per cent renewable energy on our train and tram network be maintained under a privatised or outsourced model of service delivery?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:55): I thank the honourable member for his question. I will be delighted to refer that question to my colleague in the other chamber the Hon. Stephan Knoll, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government.