37939 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Energy

37939 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Energy: Will the Minister still compel the gentailers to pay for Liquefied Natural Gas infrastructure even if they decline to participate in a fair funding model?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government's position is that the electricity sector should be responsible for meeting the costs of the dry year cover it requires, rather than taxpayers. The Government is continuing to engage with gentailers on a fair funding model for the LNG import facility. Final decisions on any funding arrangements have not yet been made, but the Government has indicated it is prepared to legislate if necessary to ensure an appropriate funding framework is in place. Further to this, I am advised that forward wholesale electricity prices has reduced significantly since the Government announced its intention to proceed with an LNG importation facility in February 2026.