Energy

Jarrett explained that the government provided immediate relief through the Energy Bill Relief Fund, offering up to $150 in rebates to households and small businesses. Jarrett highlighted the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which had facilitated over 500,000 installations by providing discounts on upfront costs, helping households store solar energy. Jarrett argued that increasing renewable supply and storage reduces reliance on expensive fossil fuels and lowers wholesale prices. Jarrett also mentioned the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, which supported over 10,000 energy improvements across 4,100 homes by April 2026.

Price contended that temporary rebates did not address the underlying rise in electricity costs, which continued to impact regional Western Australia. Price argued that the Coalition's policy of scrapping net zero targets and lifting the nuclear ban would provide a balanced energy mix including gas, coal, and renewables. Price claimed that Labor's focus on net zero was costing taxpayers billions while failing to lower prices or reduce emissions. Price emphasised the importance of practical energy policy that supports industry and ensures reliability for future generations.

Clutterham defined energy security as encompassing availability, reliability, and affordability, noting that the government was addressing all three. Clutterham cited the implementation of new Australian Energy Market Commission rules to limit price increases and ban excessive retailer charges. Clutterham referenced the Nelson review, commissioned to examine market settings for promoting investment in renewable generation and storage. Clutterham argued that patience was required for the transition to renewables, which Treasury modelling indicated would lower long-term wholesale electricity costs.

Pasin reiterated that the Prime Minister's promise of a $275 power bill reduction was not fulfilled, leading to higher bills and grid uncertainty. Pasin criticised the government's reliance on ideology over economics, describing the current approach as a failing experiment in South Australia. Pasin advocated for the Coalition's plan to support abundant energy generation from nuclear, coal, gas, and renewables. Pasin called for an end to what he termed renewables-only policies in favour of a diverse energy portfolio.