House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-03 Daily Xml

Contents

SOLAR ENERGY

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:47): My question is to the Premier. In light of his answer to the earlier question, does he support Labor policy to means test the rebate on solar panels, and does he believe that the move is good for South Australia's solar energy businesses? Solar shops across the state have publicly reported an 80 per cent sudden downturn in trade since Labor's decision, which he supports.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:47): Solar producers today must be delighted at the news of the biggest solar array in Australia: 10,000 square metres of solar panels. Of course, I will make sure that there are Liberals present at the opening, because I know they love the show—and they must be so pleased that 40 per cent of the nation's solar power is here in South Australia. I remember the bizarre attitude of the Leader of the Opposition towards greenhouse gas reduction legislation. One day it was not enough and the next day: oh, no; it was going to destroy the economy. For goodness sake! Does anyone take this man seriously? All he wants, if he becomes premier of the state, is a hall of mirrors. But he will never be South Australia's sun king.