Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Johnston, I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 2.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

(1)

That the following matters relating to the Western Australian gas crisis be referred to the Economics Committee for inquiry and report by 14 October 2008:

(a)

the economic impact of the Western Australia gas crisis, including but not limited to:

(i)

the extent of losses faced by business and industry failing to meet production targets due to the lack of gas supplies,

(ii)

the disproportionate disruption to industry in the south west of Western Australia, and

(iii)

the nature of contractual arrangements forced on business and industry during the gas crisis and their status since the resumption of gas supplies from Varanus Island; and

(b)

the government response to the Western Australian gas crisis, including but not limited to:

(i)

the adequacy of the crisis management response,

(ii)

the adequacy of reliance on one source supplies of gas for domestic markets,

(iii)

the provision of reliable and affordable supplies of alternative energy,

(iv)

the feasibility of developing emergency storage facilities of gas in depleted reservoirs or other repositories, and

(v)

the justification for any refusals to release relevant facts and documents publicly.

(2)

That, in undertaking this inquiry, the committee:

(a)

call for the production by the Western Australian Government of all relevant correspondence, advice and reports; and

(b)

take evidence in Perth and in major regional centres in Western Australia.

Question agreed to.