Energy

Darmanin defended the government's provision of three rounds of energy bill relief and caps on coal and gas prices. Darmanin argued that new market rules effective in 2026 would prevent unfair retailer practices and drive down costs. Darmanin contrasted this with the previous government's reliance on ageing coal plants and criticised the opposition's nuclear proposal as expensive and slow to deliver. Darmanin cited research indicating that renewables are the cheapest form of new generation and that wholesale prices would be lower under an orderly transition.

Colbeck contended that the government had failed to deliver on pre-election promises to reduce power bills by $275 by 2025. Colbeck highlighted that electricity prices had risen by 23.6 per cent in the previous year and warned that households would face higher costs once temporary subsidies expired. Colbeck argued that high energy costs were driving industries like Bell Bay Aluminium to consider leaving the country. Colbeck quoted Ken Henry to suggest that the need for permanent rebates indicated fundamental flaws in the government's policy settings.

Ciccone stated that the government inherited a sector exposed to offshore price shocks and forecasted significant price increases in 2022. Ciccone argued that the opposition lacked a coherent energy policy, citing internal divisions and vague positions on net zero targets and gas investment. Ciccone claimed that the coalition's uncertainty was sending negative signals to businesses and the community. Ciccone emphasised the need for clear legislative direction to provide certainty for future generations and economic stability.

Blyth argued that the government's pursuit of net zero was increasing costs for businesses and families while emissions remained high. Blyth questioned the claim that renewable energy was cheap, pointing to the 23.6 per cent rise in power bills and the projected $1.33 trillion cost for solar and wind infrastructure. Blyth expressed concern over the national debt reaching $1.2 trillion and the impact on future living standards. Blyth asserted that the government's spending was outpacing economic growth and harming everyday Australians.