❓ Dr. Thomas questions the Cook government's taxpayer-funded bailout of Griffin Coal, focusing on the financial details, negotiation process, and the viability of commercial terms. The Minister's response is somewhat evasive, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and reduced subsidies.

Griffin Coal—Business continuation agreement22.Hon Dr Steve Thomasto theLeader of the House representing the Minister for State Development:I refer to the Cook government's announcement of 21 January 2026 of a taxpayer-funded extended five-year bailout to the foreign-owned and insolvent Griffin Coal.(1) What financial value has the government apportioned to the five-year bailout, per year and in total, and how was this value calculated?(2) What government departments, agencies, ministers, in tandem with Griffin creditors, customers and management were involved in the negotiations for the bailout?(3) On what date did the Cook government commence negotiations with Griffin Coal and its customers and, in the minister's words, demand that they come to commercial terms in relation to the arrangement they have right across the system?(4) Does the announcement of 21 January demonstrate that there were no viable commercial terms for Griffin Coal, so the state had to continue to subsidise the operations?(5) To employ the government's own repeated parlance, what is a fair price for coal from Griffin Coal?

Hon Stephen Dawson replied:Thank you very much. It seemed like a very long question!The President:He spoke very quickly, Leader of the House.Hon Stephen Dawson:Thank you, President.(1) Negotiations and contractual arrangements between customers are continuing. These revised commercial arrangements will significantly reduce the subsidy from government.(2) The Department of the Premier and Cabinet, with support from the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and the State Solicitor's Office, have led the engagement.(3) The government has remained in close contact with all parties. The Premier formally wrote to the key commercial parties on 13 May 2025.(4) No.(5) Commercial arrangements for coal and energy supply are negotiated between commercial parties. The revised commercial arrangements will significantly reduce the subsidy from government. Griffin Coal—Business continuation agreement