QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr BOWEN (McMahon—Minister for Climate Change and Energy) (14:26): I thank the honourable member for the question about green hydrogen and Australia's green hydrogen potential. It is the case that it was a few years ago that it was suggested that green hydrogen could play a role in home heating, in car transport. Electric vehicles just overtook petrol vehicles in Australia.

Do you know how many hydrogen cars were sold in Australia last year? One vehicle. So there was a lot of hype about green hydrogen in previous years, and I had the view and have the view that green hydrogen will play a role in industrial decarbonisation.

I said that on the 7.30 Report last night, and, if the honourable member wanted to quote me in full, he could have. I went on to say that, equally, the reports of the death of green hydrogen are exaggerated. Now, it is the case that a lot of things have been said about Australia's potential for green hydrogen over the years.

It is absolutely the case that a lot's been said about green hydrogen in Australia. For example, I do recall the quote that the honourable member just mentioned. It's also been said: Exporting green hydrogen as a solid will reduce costs, increase safety and simplify overseas processing which will put Australia at the forefront of an emerging renewable energy market leading to new jobs, new business opportunities and environmental dividends.

Well said, Dan! Well said. That is exactly what the shadow minister said about green hydrogen.

The SPEAKER: The minister will pause. The minister has a habit of doing this, and I'm not happy with the minister. You've done it before—not calling members by their correct title.

So the minister is now warned. I want all members to be shown respect. No matter which side of the chamber people are addressing, members must use their titles.

It is a red line. That is how we show respect to one another. The minister will continue.

Mr BOWEN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The member for Wannon said it very well—very eloquently did the shadow minister. But he was part of a team, because what he was also doing was supporting his colleagues.

It is the case that he was referring to the announcement that the Morrison government was working to continue with international colleagues to establish Australia as a hydrogen export powerhouse. That was a joint press release between the honourable members, the honourable gentlemen, the member for Hume and the member for Wannon—a joint press release, not even singular.

The SPEAKER: The manager on a point of order? Mr Tehan: Yes, it was a very specific question. On relevance: the minister said last night that he didn't buy all the hype on green hydrogen.

Well, why did he make the statement he did? The SPEAKER: I thank the manager. We don't need the question stated again.

And that element also wasn't part of the question. The minister will continue for 49 seconds. Mr BOWEN: Promises have also been made to the people of Whyalla and Port Bonython.

For example, it was said: "Hydrogen hubs such as this one will consolidate Australia's resource strengths to unlock clean energy and stimulate a potential surge in industrial activity, with benefits to flow on to the region's local communities," Minister Taylor said. Mr Taylor: It wasn't green hydrogen, you idiot! The SPEAKER: I'm not happy with the Leader of the Opposition saying that to another member of parliament.

I think we will just withdraw that and then we'll move on quickly. Mr Taylor: I withdraw. The SPEAKER: I thank the Leader of the Opposition.