Jim Lloyd (Robertson, Liberal Party, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads) Share this | Hansard source

As far as the situation with the Gunnedah ethanol plant is concerned, it is interesting how the opposition has changed its view on ethanol. At that time, when there was not so much focus on global warming and fuel prices, there was a really vicious attack on anyone who wanted to produce ethanol. There was seen to be a scare campaign that ethanol was going to damage cars. It really made it very difficult for anyone who wanted to get involved in alternative fuels such as ethanol. Now there seems to be a sudden change. Everyone seems to be wanting alternative fuels and the opposition suddenly supports it. But I remember that at that time there was a very strong and concerted attack on ethanol. Primary energy seemed to get linked up into that at that time. As far as the status of that project is concerned, I am happy to seek information from my department and provide anything that I can to you.

See this speech in context