Question Without Notice No. 93 asked in the Legislative Council on 12 March 2024 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Parliament: 41 Session: 1  

GRIFFIN COAL — COLLIE 

93. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the Minister for State and  Industry Development, Jobs and Trade: 

I refer to my question without notice 1003 of 17 November 2021, which asked — 

(5) As Griffin Coal is indirectly responsible for the production of a significant share  of power to WA's main grid, what is the � contingency plan should Griffin  cease operational production? 

To which the minister responded — 

(5) This matter has been reviewed by government and there is considered to be no risk  to electricity supply should the Griffin Coal mine cease operational  

production. 

(1) Does the minister stand by this unequivocal, whole-of-government response that there  will be no risk to WA's energy supply should Griffin Coal cease operations? 

(2) If yes to (1), why is the government spending $260 million of taxpayer-funded money on  an insolvent and foreign-owned company? 

Hon SUE ELLERY replied: 

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the  minister representing and provide an answer on behalf of the Minister for State and Industry  Development, Jobs and Trade. 

(1)–(2) The state government has allocated up to $220 million to support continued  operations at Griffin Coal, secure the electricity system and protect Collie jobs. In  addition, the state government is investing billions of dollars in new renewable energy projects, battery storage and transmission infrastructure to transition and strengthen  our electricity system over the coming decades.