Electricity Industry Privatisation and Workers Compensation Liabilities

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: I direct my question to the Treasurer. Does the Government intend to indemnify the purchaser or lessee of the State's electricity assets against any liabilities, including claims or potential claims for compensation rising from exposure to asbestos and dust diseases? Does the Government intend to indemnify, or does it anticipate indemnifying, any purchaser or lessee of power generating facilities against the cost of removal of asbestos materials such as lagging and roofing materials used in power generating facilities? Has the State estimated the cost of those liabilities? If so, what is it?

The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: I am very surprised at this question because the Leader of the Opposition should know that—

The Hon. Duncan Gay: If you had done your homework, you wouldn't be.

The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has already started interjecting. I am surprised at the question. How can I do homework on a question I do not know anything about? He has been rattled by the motion that is before the House at the moment of which notice was given.

The Hon. Michael Gallacher: Point of order: I have listened to the Treasurer's introductory comments and he is obviously debating the issue. Will he now get to the question?

The PRESIDENT: Order! I ask the Treasurer to answer the question.

The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: The Leader of the Opposition should know that the Government has an obligation under occupational health and safety laws to deal with the issues he is talking about. That obligation exists now and would exist if assets were transferred, leased or, in some cases, sold. The existing position will apply in the future.