Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the large storm that lashed South Australia on 28 and 29 September 2016;

(b) acknowledges the incredible effort of hundreds of emergency services personnel and volunteers who responded to the storm damage under very difficult circumstances; and

(c) expresses support for the renewable energy industry in South Australia and endorses South Australia's strong renewable energy target.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government acknowledges the efforts of the emergency services personnel and volunteers who responded to the damage caused by the large storm in South Australia recently, in September. The government supports renewable energy and has a 23.5 per cent renewable energy target. We have a national electricity market which requires national policies. The government has made it clear that it supports a harmonised national approach to the renewable energy target. Energy security is the government's No. 1 priority. We do not endorse South Australia's or any other state's unilateral target.

Question agreed to.