Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

As I said, we made a commitment to matching funding; that is my recollection. If I am incorrect on that, I shall provide more information. My recollection is that we have in fact provided that matching funding and, hence, the commitment to $99 million, of which, as I said, $98 million has been paid. In relation to the election commitment, my recollection—this is some time ago, I have to admit—is that the government indicated that it would consider additional funding if required to complete the project on the basis of matching funding by the Victorian government. So, consistent with the election commitment, we have made that indication.

I am also advised, looking at the advice here, that additional funding was not required as pipeline construction was completed well under budget and more than sufficient funds remain for channel-decommissioning works. I am happy to listen to what you have to say on this issue. Certainly it is the same as the federal member for Mallee’s assertion, although obviously it is a different party but the same position being articulated. I think it is important to get on the record what has actually occurred. We made an election commitment to fund the pipeline; we have done so. (Time expired)