Energy

Kearney defended the government's energy policy, stating that renewables were the cheapest new energy source according to expert reports. Kearney highlighted achievements such as record electric vehicle sales, increased battery installations, and wholesale electricity prices falling by a third. Kearney argued that the opposition had abandoned net zero targets and failed to replace ageing coal plants, leading to grid vulnerability. Kearney emphasised Australia's new role as president of COP31 negotiations as a sign of global leadership and credibility.

Violi questioned the energy minister's availability and cited past comments by a Labor member supporting nuclear energy as more reliable than renewables. Violi argued that the coalition prioritised affordability and reliability for households, particularly those on low incomes. Violi stated that energy costs impacted all sectors, including food production, and criticised the government for not controlling inflation. Violi claimed that Labor members were forced to follow party orders rather than advocate for their communities' financial needs.

France defended the minister's international role, noting that previous COP presidents had also been serving ministers. France argued that the opposition's stance against climate action would scare off investment and prolong reliance on unreliable coal. France highlighted the uptake of rooftop solar and home batteries in regional and outer-suburban electorates, including those held by the opposition. France stated that the government's energy plan created jobs and provided business certainty while lowering emissions.

Wilson described the financial hardship faced by pensioners and small businesses due to rising electricity bills, which he claimed had increased by up to 40 per cent. Wilson argued that the government's promise of $275 in bill relief had not materialised for many households. Wilson criticised the government's reliance on spending and debt, which he said perpetuated inflation. Wilson advocated for a technology-neutral approach to energy addition to lower prices and support low-income earners who could not afford upfront costs for solar panels.

Smith linked the net zero target to national security and the protection of Pacific neighbours, particularly the Torres Strait Islands. Smith cited conversations with elders about the impacts of climate change, such as inundation of cemeteries and communities. Smith highlighted government investments in seawalls and resilience projects in the region. Smith argued that abandoning net zero targets betrayed the interests of Australians and ignored the urgent need for climate action.

Kennedy shared anecdotes of pensioners and manufacturers struggling with high energy costs, including a business seeing electricity prices rise by over 70 per cent. Kennedy criticised the government for focusing on emissions targets rather than setting a legislated energy price target. Kennedy argued that wholesale energy costs constituted only a portion of the total bill, and that total costs continued to rise for consumers. Kennedy called for the government to address the full cost of energy bills rather than highlighting partial reductions in wholesale prices.

Jordan-Baird defended the minister's global advocacy as essential for securing long-term energy price stability and writing international rules. Jordan-Baird argued that the opposition's rejection of net zero and support for nuclear energy lacked a viable long-term plan for reducing costs. Jordan-Baird highlighted the impact of climate change on workers in various sectors, including healthcare and infrastructure maintenance. Jordan-Baird stated that the government was taking significant steps to reduce household costs through energy bill relief and market reforms.

Aldred described an energy affordability crisis, citing 200,000 Australians on hardship plans and rising costs for businesses. Aldred shared data from a meat-processing business in her electorate, which saw combined gas and electricity costs surge by 35 per cent over two years. Aldred criticised the government for failing to deliver on the $275 bill relief promise and for pricing Australian businesses out of international markets. Aldred suggested the minister should learn from other countries about achieving energy reliability and affordability without shutting down coal early.

Abdo defended the government's record on lowering wholesale prices and rebuilding the energy grid after a decade of neglect. Abdo highlighted the significance of Australia co-hosting a pre-COP event with Pacific nations to strengthen regional security and economic standing. Abdo listed various government initiatives supporting families, including pay rises, parental leave, and energy bill relief. Abdo contrasted the government's delivery with the opposition's focus on political pointscoring and internal division.