Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Regional Business Energy Costs Regional Business Energy Costs The Hon. R.A. SIMMS Legislative Council Regional Business Energy Costs The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to Minister for Regional Development on the topic of regional businesses and power. Leave granted. The Hon. R.A. SIMMS Legislative Council The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: As has been noted in this chamber this week, regional businesses such as Nippy's are reporting that their energy prices are crippling their operations. The Dairyfarmers' Association have also claimed that the average rise in electricity costs is 38 per cent, while an Australian Almond Board member, Brendan Sidhu, claimed that his business has seen a 60 per cent increase in energy bills. My question to the Minister for Regional Development, therefore, is: 1.	What action is the Malinauskas Labor government taking to support regional businesses with soaring energy prices? 2.	Will the government commit to a commission of inquiry to consider bringing our state's energy back into public hands, and, if not, why not? The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN Legislative Council Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister for Forest Industries The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for his question. I think the topic of a potential commission of inquiry would probably sit, perhaps, with the Treasurer in the other place. I am certainly happy to refer that and bring back a response.