The Shadow Minster for Energy says that the Economics and Industry Standing Committee report into the domestic gas policy cannot be delayed further and needs to be released on schedule this Thursday the 15th of August.
“This investigation was commenced by the Economics and Industry Standing Committee on the 26th of June last year and has passed its one year anniversary” Dr Thomas said.
“It was originally going to report by the end of November 2023, but that was extended to the 30th of May 2024.”
On the 13th of June this year this date was further extended to the 15th of August, with the committee advising stakeholders that it “has resolved to postpone the tabling of the final report on its inquiry into the WA Domestic Gas Policy.”
Dr Thomas said that while he acknowledged the Committee had received a vast amount of information and was taking extra time to consider it properly, he was concerned that any further delay would remove the need for any subsequent Government response and put the report into the election period.
“If the report is tabled this Thursday the Government will be required to table a response within three months, as per the Legislative Assembly standing order below” Dr Thomas said.
“That would mean a response by the 15th of November, after which there would be at least two sitting weeks remaining.
“Any further delay in the report would mean it could not be tabled until September, which would mean no Government response would be required before the last sitting day of the 41st Parliament. Under the standing orders, after the election the Government is not required to respond at all.
“Given there is a large volume of additional information that needs digesting, there is every chance the draft report will be changed significantly when the final report is released.
“My concern is that a Government response is likely still months away and will not be required until we are in full campaign mode if the report is on time, and not required at all with any further delay.
“While Premier Roger Cook was last year promoting the potential export of onshore gas, he has recently appeared to weaken in his resolve on this key issue and is now suggesting there may be no change to the existing ban.
“The entire energy industry needs policy certainty, and trying to respond to concerns in the middle of an election campaign would be a less than optimal outcome.
“Hopefully the Committee’s report and the Government’s response to it can be delivered on time to allow for a full and proper debate on the issue.”
