Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

The Energy Security Board which recommended the development of the NEG which has been adopted by the Turnbull government has been undertaking a thorough consultation process. The outcome of that consultation process and their design will be taken to the next COAG energy ministers' meeting in April, next month, and that will help to undertake and deliver further design work for the guarantee.

Importantly, we look forward to cooperation from the states and territories at that next meeting of the COAG Energy Council. We've already enjoyed support from Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, but an important change of dynamic at the next meeting is that, rather than the South Australian Labor government led as it was by Jay Weatherill coming along and playing politics with the NEG, there will be a new government wanting to be constructive in the development of the NEG. We have seen a constructive approach from other Labor governments; we didn't see it in SA. Thankfully we have seen a change there that will help to ensure sensible energy policy is delivered into the future.