The Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, has asked me to serve as Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction. It is a great honour to be asked to serve in a portfolio area that is critical to Australia’s future.
The current Minister, Chris Bowen, can expect to be held to account like Andrew Giles was held to account in Immigration.
Labor promised a $275 reduction in household power bills by 2025. It is as clear as day that Minister Bowen has failed to deliver on that promise.
Instead, the Australian Energy Regulator has confirmed Australian households are paying up to $1,300 more for their electricity than promised — a damming indictment on Minister Bowen.
Labor has also undermined Australia’s domestic gas industry, which has seen household gas prices increase by 34% since Labor was elected. This is hurting households, manufacturers and small business and adding to the nation’s cost-of-living crisis.
Minister Bowen’s approach is ideologically-driven, out of touch and arrogant.
His renewables only agenda is driving up bills, delivering gas shortages and running roughshod over local communities; I have seen this firsthand in my electorate where Minister Bowen is trying to ram through an offshore wind zone off the coast of Warrnambool and Port Fairy despite strong objections from the local community. Meanwhile, emissions are flatlining.
Energy is critical to Australia’s prosperity. Australia needs an energy plan that is focused on scientific endeavour, technology and innovation in all areas of energy production. My job will be to work with my colleagues to develop that plan.
ENDS
Contact: Byron Vale 02 6277 4426 | byron.vale@aph.gov.au
