Page 1030 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 24 March 2015

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MR CORBELL: This morning.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH: Minister, what lessons has the government learnt about locating industrial-type developments on the doorstep of residential areas, given this and the Macarthur power station proposal?

MR CORBELL: Madam Speaker—

Members interjecting

MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Let Mr Corbell answer the question.

MR CORBELL: Once again the Liberal Party show their hostility to renewable energy generation. Once again they show their hostility to technologies of the future that are critical to achieve the environmental and the economic development outcomes we want for our city and for our community. In marked contrast to the hostility that we see from those opposite, this government is serious about supporting investment in renewable energy, driving down our city’s greenhouse gas emissions and seeing the economic benefits that flow from such investment. That is why we are driving—

Mr Hanson: A point of order.

MADAM SPEAKER: You have a point of order?

Mr Hanson: The question was very much about what the government has learnt about locating industrial developments on the doorstep of residential areas rather than any particular dissertation about the need for renewable energy. It is not about the need for it, necessarily; it is about the location. I also point out to the minister that gas-fired power stations are not renewable.

MADAM SPEAKER: That is not part of the point of order. That is a debating point.

Mr Hanson: He might appreciate the advice, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: No, I do not appreciate it, Mr Hanson. The standing orders clearly say that the answer shall be concise and directly relevant. The question was about what lessons the government has learnt. Would you like to answer that question in accordance with the standing orders, Mr Corbell?

MR CORBELL: I will be delighted to, Madam Speaker. Following the solar auction round that awarded feed-in tariff entitlements at both Uriarra and at Mugga Lane, the government reviewed the option framework and in our most recent option framework, in case those opposite had not noticed, we introduced for the first time in Australia weighted criteria that require proponents to demonstrate strong community engagement as part of their proposals. (Time expired.)


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