Question On Notice No. 1773 asked in the Legislative Council on 20 November 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
(1) What is the department's total amount of spend on fossil fuels research?
(2) What is the department's total amount of spend on fossil fuels exploration?
(3) What is the department's total amount of spend on fossil fuels subsidies?
Answered on 12 February 2019
(1) Nil.
(2) Nil. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) administers the Royalties for Regions Fund, which provides funds to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to deliver the Exploration Incentives Scheme. No spending on fossil fuel exploration is expected in 2018-19.
(3) Nil direct spend. DPIRD funds a number of programs through other Government agencies that may be considered fossil fuel subsidies. For 2018-19, these include:
- $34.1 million to the Department of Transport for administration of the Country Age Pension Fuel Card which provides a subsidy to eligible seniors for fuel and/or Taxi usage.
- $1 million to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for administration of the Volunteer Fuel Card Scheme to support its volunteer network with fuel costs associated with their related travel.