Wednesday, 22 March 2023

 Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (14:32): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. With news from the Victorian Essential Services Commission last week that Victoria’s small businesses face a 33.2 per cent electricity price increase, adding $1738 to a standard small business energy bill, what assistance will the government provide to help Victorian small businesses with their soaring energy bills?

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:33): Thank you very much for the question. There are a number of matters that relate to the responsibilities of the Minister for Energy and Resources, but I am very happy to take the opportunity to talk about what the Andrews Labor government will be doing to support small businesses. Of course we are committed to supporting small businesses to grow and prosper, including by managing gas and electricity prices. We have the Victorian renewable energy target, which is expected to lower electricity prices, reducing costs for medium-sized businesses by over $3000 a year.

Now, of course, our investment – we will go to the question. Let me say that the Solar for Business program provides up to $8500 off the up-front costs for solar system installation. That is a cost saving of over $47 million for small businesses across Victoria. The energy upgrades program gives businesses access to discounted energy efficiency products and services, and I know it has been very popular across the small businesses across Victoria. That is again a saving of over $3700 a year. The Andrews Labor government will continue to support and deliver the best outcomes, and that includes savings on electricity and cost-saving measures for small businesses across Victoria.

 Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (14:35): I hope those small businesses are not in areas of flood recovery, because they are still waiting to be paid. Last week the Premier ruled out financial support to help small businesses with rising energy costs, stating:

… we simply do not have the capacity to be providing corporate payments …

Do you support the Premier’s position that Victorian small businesses do not deserve that sort of support?

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:35): Thank you for that question, and let me say I will not be lectured by the other side when it comes to small businesses. Small businesses in this state are still paying the price today when it comes to the other side’s party decision to privatise the Victorian electricity system. That is fact, absolutely.

Cindy McLeish: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, the minister needs to check her details. It was Joan Kirner that instigated the sale of the SEC.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order.