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FOR PRESS 18 MARCH 1979

ELECTORATE TALK

Governments around the world are wrestling with energy problems; These problems relate to both the.cost and the supply of energy .  . resources.  .

Events in Iran - with resultant disruption in. the world's oil  supplies - have focussed international attention on these major  issues..Australia is fortunate to have a strong and growing energy  resources base.  .  Â· ;  -  Ã¢ÂÂ Â·_Ã¢ÂÂ ;" Ã¢ÂÂ   Â· Â·  Â·  '  '

.We are now about 707, self-sufficient in crude oil; we have .  Â· extensive resources of coal suitable for power generation for  industry use and for export;  we have substantial reserves of  natural gas;  hydro-electric power makes a notable contribution

to our energy resources and our reserves of uranium rank with , the largest suppliers in the xvorld.

These resources create opportunities for economic development  and for continuing improvement in our standards of living. - Â· Â· Â·   However, in an energy short world,  we also have an obligation  to make sure we make wise and creative use of our energy resources.

Domestically,  we have a firmly established, energy policy. We have  encouraged the search for oil and the efficient development and  use of o.ur existing reserves.

Thera -  is no choice but for Australia to adopt sensible pricing  policies.  That difficult decision had to be taken. Our crude . oil pricing policies and taxation and investment incentives have  resulted in Australia's oil reserves being upgraded by some

600-700 million barrels,  approximately a further three years'  supply at current consumption' levels.

The growth of oil exploration activity will continue in 1979. Industry estimates that between 83 and something over 140 exploration  wells could be drilled this year. Even the lower end of the . Â·   estimate - 83 wells - would be the best result for seven years.

Esso and BMP alone are committed to investing over $1 billion  in exploration and development over the next five years as a  result of our energy policies.

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Overall,  by 1985, it is estimated that about 30 percent of Australia1:   crude oil production will be derived from oil fields which have  become viable as a consequence of our oil and gas policies.This  revival of exploration activity is of vital importance if we are

to maintain a satisfactory level of self-sufficiency in oil into  phe 1980 '  s and beyond. .

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I recently announced that Australia will become a member of the  International Energy Agency.  This organisation which operates  within the frame-work of the OECD,  is a major forum for continuing  consultation and co-operation oh energy matters between most of

the industrialised nations.

Australia will obtain a number of benefits from membership of the  IEA. These include participation in long-term co-operation  activities covering energy conservation programmes,  joint energy  research,  as well as participation in the IEA1s emergency oil sharing

scheme.

At this stage,  oil supplies for the immeditate future are assured, .   and our degree of self-sufficiency in crude oil is a valuable  cushion in the current climate. .

This self-sufficiency did not just happen.  It was the result of  hard work and risk taking by industry and by strong support from  your government.  . .  '  -  Â·

At the end.of three Labor years there was concern that the existing  rates of production from the Bass Strait fields would decline  steadily,  leaving us excessively exposed to the world oil market. Now, as a direct result of our pricing policies,  the outlook in coming  years' is more favourable.

Extensive drilling and exploration programmes are taking place  off Western Australia. For example, the huge North-West Shelf  programme which could involve expenditure of more than $3 000 million  will have been directly encouraged by our taxation concessions,

incentives,  and by our parity pricing policies.

Your government is particularly aware of the special problems .   rising energy costs have for primary producers .  To cushion the .   effects of price rises on fuel users in country areas, the government  has given special help through the petroleum products subsidy .

scheme which reduces the price of petrol and other fuels to rural ,   users.  .  .

We are strongly supporting the concept of a national energy  conservation programme concentrating on liquid fuels.  We have received  favourable indications from the States that they would support such  a programme.  .

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Petroleum conservation is important to every Australian. The govemmer  is mindful of its role - and our pricing policies are so designed  to help conserve this scarce and finite energy source.  .  .

All Australians can play a part too. We can stop and thing about  the day to day habits we can change,  and so help our country keep our  obligations in an energy hungry world.

