2005

Transport Legislation (Further Amendment) Bill

Despite the vehement opposition of the current minister to the 1998 legislation that established the current structure for rail freight in Victoria, the minister is now boasting that this bill will facilitate on-rail competition and promote the growth of rail and increased investment in the network for Victoria. Not a word about re-nationalising the regime or going back to the bad old days prior to the reforms of the Kennett government. (19 May)

National Electricity (Victoria) Bill

The Opposition welcomes the current government embracing the reforms that were made during the 1990s, in particular, by the Kennett government in Victoria and, to a lesser extent, by other state governments around Australia, even though members of the current government at the time when they were in opposition opposed those reforms strenuously and fought them every step of the way. (23 Mar)

Geothermal Energy Resources Bill

The opposition supports this legislation because it will establish a framework under which those parties who believe there is potential in this energy source can operate to seek it and hopefully develop it within Victoria.   It is notable that, by virtue of the regime it is establishing for this form of energy, the government is implicitly endorsing the private sector, open-market-based approach to the energy industry that was established under the previous government. (22 Mar)

2004

Market ignores Brumby's reckless sovereign risk claims

The oversubscription of applications for ConnectEast's issue of units for the Mitcham-Frankston tollway project shows the market has ignored the claims by Treasurer John Brumby and others that the Liberal policy of renegotiating the contract to remove tolls creates sovereign risk and would deter investors. (8 Nov)

Desperate Brumby peddles flawed Scoresby advice

An examination of PriceWaterhouseCoopers advice on the cost of removing Scoresby tolls shows it contains major errors, gaps and questionable assumptions - and that it has been dishonestly misrepresented by Treasurer John Brumby. (3 Nov)

No sovereign risk in Scoresby renegotiation pledge

Government claims that the Liberal policy to renegotiate the Scoresby contract to make it toll free will create "sovereign risk" are false and themselves risk unsettling potential investors. Despite Treasurer John Brumby persistently and dishonestly referring to "tearing up" the contract, the Liberal Party has made clear from the first day of its announcement that it would be renegotiating the contract on commercial terms, and expressly ruled out any use of sovereign power to override the contract. (1 Nov)

Brumby talks down his toll deal

If John Brumby has signed Victorian motorists up to pay a private consortium the equivalent of a $7 billion lump sum for a $2.5 billion road project, he should resign. (1 Nov)

Labor's "Independent" Competition Commission a sham

Bracks Government claims that it has established the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) as an independent statutory body are a sham because the Commission can't recommend anything that contradicts Labor's policies, it must take direction from government, it must use staff from the Department of Treasury and Finance and its reports do not have to be tabled in Parliament.  It also appears the establishment of VCEC is not authorised under the SOE Act. (26 Aug)

Victoria's reputation slips further over Freight Australia

The Bracks Government's poor handling of the proposed transfer of ownership of Freight Australia has led to the government being labelled by Rail America as  "bereft of any experience or competence" and that its behavior "should give pause to America companies" investing in Victoria. (29 July)

Concerns over smelter electricity levy and wind farm rate concessions

Under new legislation, the Bracks Government is keeping open the possibility of continuing to impose a smelter levy on electricity consumers, despite announcing it would end the levy and introduce a new land tax on electricity transmission easements. The Government is also allowing wind farm operators to make claims for rate concessions against municipal councils. (5 May)

2003

Review of "Partnership Victoria" projects policy highlights flaws

A Bracks Government commissioned review of its "Partnerships Victoria" policy has highlighted serious flaws in the policy and its management, adding to concern that   government bungling has cost taxpayers millions of dollars in blowouts and delays to projects including the Docklands Film Studio, the police mobile data network, and water and sewage treatment plants, according to the State Opposition. (5 Dec)

Brumby must provide facts on rail blowout

The Government must make public further information on the alleged losses of the public transport system, given that the Government plans to continue with private sector operation of the system and says the system is now running better under private operation, the State Opposition says. (14 Apr)

2002

Report confirms reform benefits

A report by the Productivity Commission on Trends in Infrastructure Pricing 1990-91 to 2000-01 has confirmed the substantial benefits provided by
reform of Victoria's electricity, gas, water and transport sectors over the past decade, according to the State Opposition. (29 May)

Double standards in Brumby's attack on private sector

The State Opposition has pointed out that the Treasurer, Mr Brumby, has previously been an advocate of the former government's involvement of the private sector, which delivered infrastructure and improved services at greatly reduced cost to taxpayers, reduced state debt from $32 billion to $6 billion and freed up $800 million per year in net interest savings to the State Budget. (26 Feb)

2001

Third State Government financial entity hits losses

The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority has plunged into losses in 2000-01, incurring a loss of $10.1 million in 2000-01, following profits of $19.7 million in 1999-2000 and $30.7 million in 1998-99.   This follows recent losses by the Victorian WorkCover Authority and the Transport Accident Commission. (16 Nov)

End to Winter Power Bonus helps push Victoria to Australia's highest inflation rate

The Bracks Government's decision not to extend the Winter Power Bonus has been the main factor leading to Victoria having the highest inflation rate in Australia for the September quarter. Melbourne electricity prices increased by 7.6 per cent for the September quarter, and by 9.5 per cent for the year. In contrast, Sydney electricity prices increased by only 1.1 per cent for the quarter, and fell by 0.2 per cent for the year. (24 Oct)

"Snowy borrowings can finance infrastructure"

The NSW and Victorian Treasurers claim that the corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Corporation will be complete before the end of the current financial year, allowing $740 million of debt owed to the Commonwealth to be refinanced so the Commonwealth can spend the money on infrastructure, as Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley proposes. (24 Oct)

(This page was resumed in September 2001, following Robert Clark's appointment as Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Finance, updating having previously ceased from September 2000.)

2000

Government guts ambulance Royal Commission

The Government's decision to gut the terms of reference of the Royal Commission into the Metropolitan Ambulance Service is a travesty of justice, according to the Opposition. (25 Sep)

Electricity report says extra generator not needed

The Government's Security of Supply Taskforce Report has found that an extra 1,000Mw generator for Victoria is not needed, contradicting statements by the Premier earlier this year, the Opposition says. (7 Sep)

Compensation call for disability services hit by WorkCover premiums

The Opposition has called on the Government to compensate disability services for the cost of its WorkCover policy in light of "massive cost increases". (3 Aug)

Some extra gas customers to have choice

Medium-sized Victorian gas consumers, such as large commercial buildings and small manufacturers, would have the right to choose their gas retailer from September 1 this year, but plans for customers with an annual gas consumption of between 5,000 and 10,000 GJ, such as large restaurants and bakeries, scheduled to become contestable at the same date have been deferred. (29 June)

Guidelines raise "funny money" fears

According to the State Opposition, the Government's release of new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure highlights the lack of  new major infrastructure projects under the Bracks Government and also raises concerns about a possible return to the disguised borrowing and other "funny money" deals of the Cain and Kirner Governments. (27 June)

New investment guidelines released

The Government has released new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure, called Partnerships Victoria, replacing the Infrastructure Investment Policy for Victoria guidelines of the previous Government.  Under the new guidelines, the Government says that typically the private sector would build, own and maintain the infrastructure while the public sector would continue to provide the core public services to the community using that infrastructure.  (27 June)

Regulator-General proposes further electricity price reductions, service improvements

The Government has welcomed the draft determination of the Office of the Regulator-General (ORG), which foreshadows further reductions in average distribution charges of 15 - 20 percent, equivalent to average reductions in household electricity bills of between $35 and $65 per year, following privatisation of the electricity industry by the previous Government. (31 May)

Public transport Customer Service Charters

The Government has welcomed the Customer Service Charters published by the private operators of Victoria's rail networks, and also announced the appointment of a new Public Transport Customer Charter Committee, replacing the community committee established by the previous Government, to provide community input and a customer perspective on a range of user satisfaction issues. (26 May)

Electricity free choice delayed

Government legislation on the electricity industry will delay freedom of choice for small business and residential customers, according to the Opposition, with the Coalition government's full deregulation date of  January 1, 2001 now able to be put back for up to three years under legislation before the Parliament. (24 May)

(Unfortunately, news items between 10 March and 9 May have not been included, due to pressure of other commitments.)

Premier announces transport proposals

The Premier has announced or re-announced various proposals for road, rail and port projects, said to total $1.5 billion, under the title Linking Victoria. (28 Feb)

1999

Basslink EES details announced

The Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites, has announced details of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for the Basslink project. (10 Nov)

Alstom buys Ballarat railway workshops

Alstom Australia Limited has bought the Ballarat Railway Workshops for $7 million. (13 Aug)

Electrical industry well on the way to Y2K compliance

There is little likelihood of a disruption to Victoria’s electricity supply over the millennium period due to a Year 2000 computer failure, according to a detailed report into the Y2K readiness of the State’s electricity industry commissioned by the Office of the Regulator-General. (3 August)

Operational independence for Major Hazards Unit

The Victorian Government has formalised measures to assure the operational independence of the Major Hazards Facilities Unit (MHU) of the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA). (3 August)

Regulator General reports on electricity services

Victoria’s electricity distribution businesses generally improved or maintained service levels to customers during 1998, while increasing the affordability of their services, according to the annual Electricity Performance Report released by the Office of the Regulator-General. (23 July)

Hillside Trains franchise goes to MTE

Melbourne Transport Enterprises (MTE) has been awarded the franchise to operate Hillside Trains, bringing private-sector investment in Victoria’s public transport system to more than $1.6 billion. (13 July)

Three more public transport franchises announced

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced the awarding of three public transport franchises to transport operator National Express.

New gas retailer in Victoria

Queensland energy supplier, Energex, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Allgas Energy Ltd, has become a new gas retailer in Victoria through purchase of rights to the "gas release program" for $29.25 million.

Franchise announced for Yarra Trams

MetroLink, a consortium of private-sector transport operators including Transfield, Transdev and Egis Projects, has been awarded a 12-year franchise to operate Yarra Trams.

Gas business unit sold for $4.1m

The Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, has announced the sale of GCI, one of the State Government’s gas business units, to J P Kenny for $4.1 million.

Progress on gas inter-connections

Work to upgrade the Victoria-NSW gas interconnect to deliver extra gas supplies for winter has been completed.

Gas distribution maintenance company sold for $3m

Abigroup, one of Australia’s largest wholly Australian-owned maintenance and constructions groups, has purchased Cathodic Protection Systems (CPS) for $3.5 million.

Sale of TPA for $1.024 billion finalises gas utility privatisations

The Victorian gas industry privatisation has been completed with the sale of the transmission pipeline company, Transmission Pipelines Australia (TPA) to American GPU Inc. for $1.025 billion.

$250-million development of Pentridge site

The historic Coburg Prison Complex will be preserved and redeveloped in a $250-million, four-year project.

Better water for Ballarat

Thames Water (Australia) Pty Ltd has won a $50-million contract to supply Ballarat and some surrounding townships with world-class drinking water.

Revised code governing electricity supply

The State’s utility watchdog, the Office of the Regulator-General, has announced new measures to encourage electricity distributors to continue to improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply to consumers.

Ecogen Energy sold

The sale of the assets of Generation Victoria, trading as Ecogen Energy, to the AES Corporation for $350 million completes the sales under Victoria's electricity reform program.

TD Williamson buys Pipex for $4.52 million

PIPEX, a business unit of Gas Services Business Pty Ltd , has been sold to the US based TD Williamson Inc for $4.52m.

Concern for regional waterways

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara, responding to the Labor Party’s plan to abolish the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) levy, said he feared that the move would lead to a cessation in much-needed environmental works in regional Victoria.

Service to promote women for government boards

The Premier, Mr Kennett has launched VicWomen, a service that will replace the Victorian Women’s Register in providing a register for government departments seeking Victorian women for leadership roles on government boards and committees.

Stratus Network/Energy 21 sold for $1.67 billion

The Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, has announced the sale of the gas distribution and retail companies Stratus Networks and Energy 21 to a consortium of the Australian-owned Boral Energy and Envestra Limited for $1.67 billion.

Multinet/Ikon Energy privatised

Victoria's second gas distribution and retail companies, Multinet and Ikon Energy, have been sold to The Energy Partnership, comprising 50 per cent Utilicorp United Inc. and 50 per cent Australian investment manager AMP, for $1.97 billion.

V/Line Freight privatised for $163m

Freight Victoria, the successful bidder for V/Line Freight Corporation, will pay just over $163 million under a 15 year renewable lease to operate and maintain Victoria's country rail network.

Westar/Kinetik Energy privatised

The Victorian Government has sold the first of its first gas distribution and retail companies, Westar and Kinetik Energy, to Texas Utilities for $1.617 billion.

Melbourne has lowest inflation rate

Melbourne continues to have the lowest inflation rate in Australia, with discounted winter power prices being a major factor in that achievement.

Regulator-General reports on water

The Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, has welcomed a report by Regulator-General Dr John Tamblyn which showed more than 85 per cent of Victorian households were paying less for water under the new user-pays system.

Regulator-General reports on electricity performance

The Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, has welcomed the latest report by the Office of the Regulator-General, which shows Victoria's five electricity distribution companies have continued to improve average reliability and service levels for their customers.

1998

Victoria Rates Highly in National Workplace Safety Report

The first report comparing Australian workers' compensation schemes was released on December 16 by the Federal Employment Minister, Mr. Reith.

No Privatisation of Victorian Water

The Treasurer, Mr. Stockdale, has restated State Government policy to retain Government ownership of the water industry, in responding to attempts to link improved valuation of water assets to privatisation

Port Campbell underground gas storage developer chosen

Texas Utilities Australia is to build, own and operate the proposed underground gas storage project at Port Campbell in Western Victoria.

Revised timetable for competitive gas market

Victoria's 1.4 million households and small business will be able to choose their gas supplier in a fully competitive market from September 2001.

Catchment Management Authority rates

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara, has responded to concerns over Catchment Management Authority (CMA) rates.

Victorian Plantations Corporation Sale

The Victorian Plantations Corporation (VPC), including management rights for 170,000 hectares of land, has been sold for $550 million to Hancock Victorian Plantations Pty Ltd.

Gas privatisation go-ahead

The Government had decided to proceed with privatisation of the State's gas industry.

Yarra Valley Water Annual Report 1997-98

The company achieved an after-tax profit of $59.1 million (down $14.8m), received total revenue of $390.1 million (down $74m), spent $49.7 million on capital expenditure (up $9.9m) and paid a dividend of $51.7 million (down $3.3m).

Reliability of gas supplies

Expected peak demand for gas during the 1999 Winter is in the order of 1040 Terajoules (TJs). At present, the capacity of Longford is only around 60% of this figure (650TJs). The Government cannot guarantee that /Esso’s Number 1 plant at Longford will be fully functional by then, so is establishing alternative sources to meet the remaining demand. Various measures have been taken to ensure reliability of supply

Government to pursue alternative gas supplies

The Premier, Mr. Kennett, announced on October 16 that the  Government had agreed to proceed with an upgrade of the interconnect with New South Wales and bring forward to 1999 the construction of the South West Pipeline and aspects of the underground storage project.

WorkCover Annual Report shows fewer workplace accidents

The number of deaths and traumatic injuries in Victorian workplaces continued to fall during 1997-98 while Victoria's worker compensation scheme moved closer to regaining full funding.

Government Rejects Major Changes to TAC, WorkCover

The State Government has not accepted proposals under national competition policy reviews to change Victoria's transport accident and workers compensation schemes.

New Compliance Certification Regime for Electrical Work

Following the introduction of the Electricity Safety Act 1998, a mandatory compliance certifications scheme for electrical wiring work conducted by qualified electricians will be introduced this year.

Victorian Aluminium Smelter Sold

The State  Government's 25% share in the Portland Aluminium Smelter has been sold to existing partners in the smelter, China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC) and Marubeni Corporation for $A500 million.

Winter Power Bonus Commences

The State Government's new Winter Power Bonus - a $60 reduction on the winter electricity bills of all households and small businesses in Victoria - commenced on August 17.

Victoria-NSW Gas Pipeline commissioned

The $50 million Interconnect gas pipeline between Victoria and NSW was officially activated on August 12, 2 months ahead of schedule.

Melbourne Bus Link takes over bus services

The remaining Government-run bus services have been taken over by the Melbourne Bus Link (MBL) consortium.

Port of Melbourne tops one million containers

Melbourne has officially become the first Australian port to handle more than one million containers per year.

2001

The Treasurer has praised the three metropolitan water companies for specifically detailing achievements under financial, social and environmental responsibilities in their latest Annual Reports. (30 Oct)

The Minister for Finance says the Government will fund "the most comprehensive review ever conducted" into the health of former SECV employees in the Latrobe Valley. (14 Sep)

2000

The Minister for Ports has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral John Lord AM as the new chief executive officer of the Marine Board of Victoria. (30 June)

Transurban has agreed to indefinitely defer the removal of clearways on Toorak Road, and the Government is installing a $500,000 electronic traffic diversion system to try to speed up tram movement along Toorak Road. (29 June)

The Government has announced that about $300,000 is to be spent on immediate service improvements in station lighting, seating, toilet facilities and security measures at Spencer Street Station, and that Gordon McKern, John Taylor and Robyn Stewart have been appointed to the Board of the Spencer Street Station Authority. (28 June)

A 460 megawatt (MW) generating unit at Loy Yang B has broken down and   the Office of Regulator General has issued a public notification of Gippsland Power Pty Ltd's application to have the breakdown declared a "force majeure" event, and has commenced an independent technical investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fault. (14 June)

The Premier has announced changes to the Ambulance Royal Commission Terms of Reference. (1 June)

The Minister for Transport has announced the extension until 31 August 2000 of reduced penalties for unauthorised travel on City Link. (31 May)

The Government must increase funding to 60 outstanding small town sewerage schemes to ensure they all go ahead, according to the Shadow Water Resources Minister. (25 May)

The Opposition has called on the Premier to release the Ballarat very fast train feasibility study. (24 May)

(Unfortunately, news items have not been included between 10 March and 9 May, due to pressure of other commitments.)

The Government has announced an $5 million alternative power generation facility, operated by AGL Ltd, which will generate 26,000 MWh of power a year using methane gas from treated sewage captured under lagoon covers at Melbourne Water's Western Treatment Plant. (3 Mar)

The Minister for Transport has criticised the previous Government for not requiring train and tram franchisees to purchase new rolling stock from Australian suppliers, and said he "hoped to develop a package which will involve Australian suppliers being given the opportunity to tender on a level playing field". (23 Feb)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has called on people in Melbourne to help save water as dry weather continues. (21 Feb)

The Government has announced the immediate lifting of power restrictions. (11 Feb)

The Government has announced the re-introduction of Level One power restrictions. (10 Feb)

The Government has announced mandatory power restrictions. (4 Feb)

The Government says it plans to end uncertainties in water entitlements in the Glenelg and Wimmera Rivers by defining secure entitlements for water authorities and the environment. (4 Feb)

1999

The Government has announced the establishment of an Audit Review panel to examine major contracts entered into by the previous government. (15 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has provided his Assessment of an Independent Panel Report and Environment Effects Statement for the development of Maryvale Coalfield in the Latrobe Valley and diversion of the Morwell River around the site of the proposed mine, stating that he was satisfied with the findings of the EES and Independent Panel that the Morwell River can be diverted with only a minimal impact on water quality, water flow and flora and fauna. (7 Dec, republished in HTML format 21 Dec)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt has backed the "Give Your Garden a Christmas present" program to promote use of garden mulch, being run by Yarra Valley Water and Least Waste, the Eastern Regional Waste Management Group. (2 Dec)

Commercial port waters in Victoria will be closed to shipping operations for large vessels for up to 24 hours from New Year's Eve as part of Year 2000 contingency planning. (25 Nov)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation, Ms Sherryl Garbutt, says she is concerned Federal Government funding for the completion of Stage 6 of the Wimmera Mallee pipeline is to be taken from Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) allocations. (23 Nov)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has announced that she would be issuing a formal directive to Catchment Management Authorities to discontinue charging catchment tariffs. (11 Nov)

Water prices are to be frozen for two years, which will mean a further 4.5% real reduction in water prices. The price cap will produce savings of $171 for the average Melbourne household in 2000-01 compared with 1996-97. (15 July)

Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources Patrick McNamara has launched a 50-year master plan to manage Victoria’s water resources entitled State Water Planning 2050: Progress, Challenges and Future Directions. (13 July)

Myrtleford's new $600,000 disinfectant plant should bring the quality of the town's drinking water up to World Health Organisation standards. (18 June)

The new $1.2-million water-treatment plant at Tallangatta should guarantee residents drinking water that meets World Health Organisation standards. (17 June)

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Pat McNamara, and the Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, have agreed in-principle to an industry proposal to sell the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority (VDIA) brands REV, Skinny Milk, Big M and Farm House. (21 May)

National Competition Policy (NCP) reforms will have diverse effects on different regions of Australia, making some country-based industries more competitive and having adverse effects on some regions, according to a draft report, The Impact of Competition Policy on Rural and Regional Australia, released by the Productivity Commission. (18 May)

Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources Patrick McNamara has opened a new $5.7-million waste water system at Mortlake, a similar $3.2-million water-treatment plant at Camperdown, commissioned another for $2.3 million at Orbost, and opened three new DNRE service centres at Hamilton, Wodonga and Leongatha. (17 May)

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara, has announced that property owners in the North-Central, Corangamite and Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authorities will pay a flat CMA rate of $20 per property for properties up to the value of $600,000 in 1999-2000, as compared to $32 at present. (20 April)

Rushworth’s 1000 residents will enjoy drinking water that meets World Health Organisation standards following the opening of a new $1.6-million water-treatment plant there. (30 Mar)

Country Victorians were enjoying an 18% reduction in prices and higher water quality due to a $450-million capital works on the Victorian water system, according to the Treasurer, Alan Stockdale. (11 Mar)

The State Government has signed contracts with Santos, Boral and Texas Utilities Australia (TUA) to open a new source of gas supply for the State from the Otway Basin in south-west Victoria, providing up to 100 terajoules of gas a day in reserve supplies, as part of the Government's objective to secure 20 per cent of alternative supplies for expected peak demand during winter.(10 Mar)

Reclaimed water will be turned into fine Victorian wine under a new agreement between Barwon Water and the Scotchman’s Hill Group, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara has announced. (2 Mar)

1998

The Government has announced changes to eradicate alleged abuse of payroll tax and WorkCover exemptions offered for apprentices and trainees. (31 Dec)

New gas prices, including real price reductions and a seasonal tariff for the off-peak period, come into effect on 1 January 1999. (30 Dec)

Recent additions to system capacity, including a 200-megawatt unit at the Hazelwood plant, an interconnector with New South Wales providing an extra 400 megawatts from January, and recent work improving the flexibility of the Newport gas-fired electricity plant will ensure adequate electricity supplies for peak demand, the Treasurer has stated.  Victoria used a record 7265 megawatts on December 11 without any supply-related interruptions. (23 Dec)

The Government has welcomed the announcement that Duke Energy International planned to build the $450 million Eastern Gas Pipeline, connecting the Bass Strait gasfields with Sydney. The 800-kilometre pipeline will provide a capability for gas to be backhauled from NSW into Victoria, will encourage gas competition and will create more than 1000 jobs during construction.  (22 Dec)

Victoria's privatised electricity industry has agreed to provide monthly reports to the State Government on its compliance progress combatting the Millennium Bug (Y2K) (22 Dec)

The State Government is seeking expressions of interest for the purchase of Generation Victoria, trading as Ecogen Energy, which owns gas-fired power generators at Newport in Melbourne's west and Jeeralang, south of Morwell. (21 Dec)

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has decided to grant a conditional authorisation to Victoria's gas Market and System Operation Rules (MSOR).

The preferred bidder for the State's 25% interest in the Portland Aluminium Smelter is a consortium comprising the Swiss natural resources group Glencore International AG, and Century Aluminium Company, a United States integrated aluminium producer, which has offered the State A$485 million.

Page last changed Monday, 25-Jul-2005 02:19:05 EDT