Leaders of the Coalition have reached an agreement on a fresh energy policy, showcasing unity even amidst some internal disagreements.
In a joint announcement following two weeks of discussions, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud laid out the coalition’s next steps.
“Our focus will be on ensuring affordable energy for both households and businesses, which is incredibly crucial,” stated Ley.
The opposition expressed its commitment to addressing soaring energy costs and enhancing energy reliability.
The Coalition has pledged that, if returned to power, it will eliminate the net zero carbon goal and terminate incentives for green energy.
They plan to lift the prohibition on nuclear power and allocate government funding to potential new coal-fired power plants.
“We’re not anti-renewables, but they have to be in the right place and they have to be balanced by baseload power,” Ley said.
Opposition energy and emissions spokesperson Dan Tehan said there was “now a clear contrast” in policies with Labor.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the cheapest form of new energy was renewables backed by the firming capacity of gas and batteries.
“If anyone thinks that there is certainty in the Coalition going forward, then they’re not paying any attention to the rabble and clown show that the Coalition have become when it comes to energy policy and climate policy,” he said.
“.And uncertainty might be something that people are watching as they go from meeting to meeting, to another meeting this week to try to say something and pretend that they have a common position.
“The real problem is that that kills off investment certainty, that kills off investment, and less investment means higher power prices. And that is what happened on their watch during their decade in office.”
“The real problem is that that kills off investment certainty, that kills off investment, and less investment means higher power prices. And that is what happened on their watch during their decade in office,” he said.
” … the cheapest form of new energy is renewables backed by firming capacity such as gas and batteries.”
As with nuclear power last term the Nationals led the way with energy policy.
“We’re not going to buy into a negative 2015 debate that Albanese and the teals want to have.” Nationals leader Littleproud said.
Emboldened by the result, the Nationals and others within the party room are now eyeing immigration as their next change
“We should determine who comes here, the skills they have and where we want them to live,” Littleproud said.
Labor Senator Penny Wong accused the Coalition of “trying to outflank Pauline Hanson”.
