Energy

Ambihaipahar argued that the government was addressing an energy system left fragile and outdated by the previous administration. Ambihaipahar highlighted retail reforms designed to prevent excessive price hikes and ban unfair fees, alongside initiatives to expand rooftop solar and home battery access. Ambihaipahar noted that wholesale electricity prices have been declining since 2022 and are forecast to continue falling through 2030 as renewables enter the grid. Ambihaipahar emphasised that the government had provided three rounds of energy bill relief and capped coal and gas prices to shield consumers from global shocks.

Hamilton supported the motion, stating that the Prime Minister had sought a mandate to reduce electricity prices by $275 on 97 occasions but failed to deliver. Hamilton cited examples of businesses facing doubled energy costs and referenced Australian Financial Review commentary linking inflation to rising electricity prices and the expiration of rebates. Hamilton argued that the government had ignored an incoming brief predicting further price increases and had failed to provide a clear plan to drive down costs. Hamilton also raised concerns about the impact of rising energy costs on medical practices and bulk billing rates.

Clutterham acknowledged high energy bills but argued that the transition to renewable energy was necessary and data-driven, not ideological. Clutterham highlighted the success of the cheaper home batteries scheme in South Australia, which helped reduce peak demand and stabilise the grid. Clutterham presented data showing that renewable-dominated fuel mixes resulted in lower spot prices compared to other states. Clutterham urged bipartisan cooperation on the just transition, citing climate science that requires reducing carbon dioxide emissions to stabilise global warming.

Aldred argued that the energy transition was complex and costly, requiring all technology options including nuclear and carbon capture to be considered. Aldred criticised the government for not delivering the promised $275 bill cut and noted that rising energy costs were contributing to inflation outside the Reserve Bank’s target band. Aldred raised concerns about the burden placed on regional agricultural communities by transmission lines and battery storage projects. Aldred called for a sensible, pragmatic approach that did not disadvantage households or industry through unrealistic timelines.

French opposed the motion, attributing the current energy crisis to a decade of neglect by the previous government. French detailed government actions including three rounds of bill relief, price caps on coal and gas, and new retail rules banning sneaky price hikes and late fees. French cited expert modelling indicating that a renewable-based grid was significantly cheaper than one relying on coal and gas. French dismissed the opposition’s nuclear proposal as expensive and slow, arguing that renewables were the most economical path to reliable and affordable energy.

Le criticised the current energy market for volatility and opacity, arguing that high costs were driving inflation and deindustrialisation. Le stated that households were spending significantly more on electricity, which increased food prices and strained low-to-middle-income families. Le proposed practical reforms including domestic gas reservation, mandatory passthrough of wholesale price falls to consumers, and greater bill transparency. Le also advocated for modernised tariffs to better integrate solar energy and reduce midday price gluts.