Senator JOYCE—The government has encouraged investment in alternative fuel strategies, such as ethanol, which has seen a reduction in excise and also grants for the production of ethanol facilities.
CHAIR—Welcome, Senator Joyce!

Mr Glyde—The government’s policy stance in relation to its treatment of alternative fuels and other fuels is outlined in the energy white paper that was released in 2004. As Senator Joyce has just said, that explains the rationale for and the government’s policy stance in relation to that.

Senator SIEWERT—But as far as you know, the work that I have been referring to, on future scenario planning related to oil supplies and the impact on the economy, has not been done.

Mr Glyde—I am aware that during the production of the energy white paper the question of energy security, resource security, was considered. I do not have enough information about what analysis was done in the lead-up to the production of the white paper, but I am aware that the issue was considered. I suspect that the best place to go to get the answer to your questions will be the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, which has responsibility for energy policy and the like.

Senator JOYCE—It would be little bit difficult. Oil suppliers in the Middle East, being the predominant suppliers of oil, have not been audited since the early 1970s, so it would be a pretty hard thing to determine a quantifiable amount to put a value on.
Mr Glyde—I cannot comment. I do not have any knowledge of that. I am sorry.