From my desk - with Federal MP Dan Tehan
Energy prices rises from 1 July
Energy prices started rising across the board on 1 July and will continue to do so in the coming months. This will further increase pressure on households, family budgets, and small and large businesses.
Anglicare Australia also released its Cost of Living Index report on 1 July, highlighting the affordability crisis occurring under Labor’s energy policies. According to the report, a single minimum-wage worker is left with just $33 after covering essential living costs, while a single-parent household receiving government supplements has only $1 left per week.
Despite Labor’s reckless promise—made on 90 separate occasions prior to the 2022 election—that electricity prices would be $275 cheaper by the end of the 2025, the number of Australians struggling with energy debt has soared. The Australian Energy Regulator reported that 331,750 customers were behind on their energy bills in 2024. Labor’s broken promise now stands as a symbol of betrayal for struggling households.
As more Australians are forced onto hardship programs because they can’t afford their power bills, Minister Bowen should apologise for failing to deliver on Labor’s promise, admit that their ideologically-driven renewables-only approach is hurting the Australian people, and take concrete action to put downward pressure on energy prices.
Sheepvention – a vital gathering amid urgent calls for real drought support
Sheepvention is just a month away. As one of Australia’s premier rural events, running for over 40 years now, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the farming community to come together.
Our drought-affected farmers face an escalating crisis. While the recent rain was welcome, it was not enough to end the drought or alleviate the enormous, ongoing stress to farming communities. Continued rain is needed to replenish water supplies and support pasture growth while long-term recovery will require additional support.
The financial assistance currently offered by the Albanese and Allan Labor governments falls far short of addressing the urgent realities on the ground. Immediate additional support—specifically interest-free or low-interest loans—is essential. Without this, many farmers will be forced to sell off their valuable breeding stock because they simply cannot afford to feed or, in some cases, even water their animals.
Losing high-quality breeding stock would inflict long-term damage on Australia’s agricultural sector. In contrast, interest-free loans would enable farmers to refinance their operations and survive until spring.
The pressing question remains: when will the Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier provide an update? Despite three meetings of Jacinta Allan’s Drought Response Taskforce, neither the Federal nor State Government has announced what additional support drought-affected farmers can expect.
I have personally contacted the Prime Minister—by phone, letter and text—and while he assured me this matter is a priority, no announcement has followed. He offered hope but has yet to deliver on it.
Our farmers are breaking under the pressure. We need an announcement and we need it now.
Wind farm plans for south of Hamilton
Throughout May and June, VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and developing new energy infrastructure, sought community feedback on the draft 2025 proposed South West Renewable Energy Zone.
Sentiment was mixed. While some expressed support for renewable energy, key concerns included decommissioning infrastructure, visual and environmental impacts, potential community division around developments, and concerns about the reliability and cost-effectiveness of renewables.
Consultation has now closed. There will be more opportunities for the community to provide feedback throughout the rest of 2025. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved because open, transparent and honest consultation should be the bare minimum for any proposal.
ENDS
Published in the Hamilton Spectator
