Hon Steve Martin questions the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation regarding a new helicopter fleet contract for Western Power's emergency response, focusing on cost, tendering process, and aircraft utilization. The Minister's response lacks specific cost details, citing commercial confidentiality.

AnsweredQoN 215Legislative Council
Asked
18 March 2026
Portfolio
Energy and Decarbonisation

QuestionView source ↗

Helicopter contract—Emergency response
215. Hon Steve Martin to
the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:
I refer to the
minister's media statement of 1 March announcing a new helicopter fleet, owned
and operated by Corsaire Aviation, intended to assist Western Power's response
to emergencies.
(1) What is the total cost of this
contract?
(2) What competitive tender process was
undertaken?
(3) How will these six helicopters be
used during periods when no emergencies or power outages are in progress?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has
been provided by the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation and I answer on
behalf of the Leader of the House. I note that the question was
answered on 11 March 2026.
(1)–(3) Western Power has contracted for a
primary aircraft, with another aircraft on standby. The remaining aircraft will
be used on an as-needed basis with no standby cost. Western Power conducted a
registration of interest process followed by competitive requests for proposals
for this contract. Costs form part of Western Power's operational budget and are
commercial-in-confidence.

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