Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2024; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025

Continued from Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned legislation to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance its autonomy. Barnaby Joyce opposed the bill, arguing that current energy market mechanisms and government subsidies for intermittent power sources drive up costs for consumers and harm regional communities. Josh Wilson supported the bill, stating that the separation was a long-recommended reform that would improve energy security, reliability, and affordability. The bill was commended to the House.

Outcome

The bill was commended to the House.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Joyce argued that the current energy pricing structure functions as a scam that burdens taxpayers and pensioners while benefiting multinational corporations. Joyce contended that the Capacity Investment Scheme underwrites returns for intermittent power sources regardless of output, and that the bidding system allows generators to profit from high spot prices despite low marginal costs. Joyce claimed that decommissioning costs for wind turbines could reach up to $1 million per tower, creating liabilities for farmers and reducing land value. Joyce asserted that high electricity prices prevent manufacturing investment and force vulnerable people in regional areas into poverty, sometimes living in vehicles due to unaffordable power bills.