Labor's Phantom Act on Energy Policy
Labor has become so fixated on talking nuclear, it appears to have lost all interest in running the country.
Appearing at estimates on Monday, Labor’s Tim Ayres side-stepped his way around any question that cast doubt over Labor’s policy platform, instead choosing to discuss the Coalition’s plan for nuclear energy.
Senator Cadell called out the hypocrisy, saying the constant attacks on nuclear were a sign even Labor didn’t believe in its own renewables plan.
“They can’t seem to answer questions on the cost of their own integrated system plan, and when it comes to energy prices, they continue to believe their own fairy dust,” Cadell said.
“Labor said your energy bill would decrease by $275. Instead, it has gone up by more than $350 since Albo was elected.
“The estimates process exists to examine the activities of Government, not for Labor senators to dummy spit over opposition policy.
“Labor’s plan will turn large businesses into small ones, and ensure the only future made in Australia is a future assembled in Australia.
“Only the Coalition can deliver reliable baseload energy that supports Australian jobs.”
Ayres’ phantom efforts were backed up with more mystery from Climate Change Authority (CCA) Chair, Matt Kean, who struggled to provide any level of detail when asked for details on the agency’s advice to government, instead continually replying with nothing but fluff.
During an extended exchange, Kean continually replied by saying that work would be finished “as soon as possible,” and that he “wouldn’t want to speculate” on timelines.
The exchange further echoed sentiment that the agency had become politicised since the appointment of the former State MP.
“As the NSW Minister for Energy, Mr Kean claimed his renewable energy roadmap policy would reduce energy prices by $130 a year from 2023. Instead regulated annual prices in New South Wales are up to $787 more than they were three years ago.
“His green agenda runs the risk of destroying Australian jobs and leaving us with the highest energy prices in the world.”
“It is a wonder he chose to join the Liberals, not The Greens.”
Cadell added that Mr Kean’s comments distanced him further from the hard-working Australians who are struggling amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
“Mr Kean just doesn’t get it,” Cadell said.
“He turns up to these hearings to trumpet a renewables agenda, shovels away any consideration of nuclear, can’t comprehend the integrated system plan, and then tries to blame Donald Trump for his own failings.
“Meanwhile, Australians are struggling with skyrocketing energy prices, and a power grid that can’t even withstand a hot summer’s day.
“It is time he woke up to the truth and resigned.”