Senator Allison asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, upon notice, on 9 October 2003:

(1) Is Mr Brian Hallwood, Managing Director of Rio Tinto, a member of a working group that the Minister has asked to provide advice to the Howard Government on Australia's energy policy.

(2) Has the Government asked an employee of Rio Tinto or any other corporation in the energy or resources sector to provide advice to the Government on Australia's energy policy; if so:

(a) who was asked;

(b) what was asked; and

(c) was the person offered payment for the advice.

Senator Minchin (Minister for Finance and Administration) —The Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) No. However, Mr Brian Horwood who is Managing Director of Rio Tinto Limited has recently been invited by Ministers Macfarlane and Kemp to participate in an independent industry CEO Low Emissions Technology Advisory Group. This group will advise the Government on priority areas for Australian energy technology development to encourage energy efficiencies and reduce emissions. It is intended that this group will include representatives from other resources, manufacturing, automotive and energy (including renewable energy) sectors.

(2) The Government consults widely with industry on all energy related matters.