Energy

Opened the debate

Venning argued that energy prices in South Australia were excessively high and unreliable, leading to the loss of 600 jobs at the Whyalla steelworks. Venning claimed that under the current government, electricity prices had risen by 40 per cent, compared to a 0.3 per cent annual rise under the previous coalition government. Venning stated that 244,000 Australians were on energy hardship programs and criticised the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for alleged fraud and substandard installations. Venning argued that the grid was dominated by intermittent renewable sources, causing price spikes that crippled regional industries. Venning proposed scrapping net zero targets and the safeguard mechanism, allowing the market to determine energy sources to lower costs.

Opposition response

Kennedy argued that the economy was suffering due to high energy costs, citing specific increases for gas and electricity in his electorate. Kennedy claimed that small businesses were closing and apprentices were losing jobs as a result. Kennedy stated that the government had failed to deliver on promises to reduce bills, with costs rising significantly instead. Kennedy argued that major industries were going bankrupt or requiring taxpayer bailouts due to uncompetitive energy prices. Kennedy criticised the government for backflipping on previous promises regarding capital gains tax and negative gearing.