Energy policy
Will FOWLES (Ringwood) (09:52): Victorians were heard loud and clear at the last election. They voted for our positive plan to tackle climate change and endorse renewables to deliver emission reductions and cheap energy. I am thrilled that this year’s state budget gets the ball rolling on both these fronts – cheaper energy and cleaner energy for families and households. Only the Andrews Labor government is bringing back the SEC. Already the body has been designated a reorganising body under the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992. We have appointed a CEO and a crack team of energy experts. This budget backs this great reform with the funding it needs. The SEC will receive a billion-dollar investment to generate at least 4.5 gigawatts of power. That is the equivalent of a Loy Yang A coal-fired power station. The clean energy provided by the SEC will drive prices down and drive up our nation-leading net zero commitment. Importantly, the SEC will deliver 59,000 jobs, including 6000 jobs for trainees. With tech schools, work experience opportunities and skills for the next generation of Victorian workers, the SEC is going to become much more than just an energy provider. I know that constituents in my electorate of Ringwood are absolutely delighted that we are making such a substantial investment into the next generation of energy in the state of Victoria by bringing back the SEC, and I look forward to making energy cheaper for families. This government is proud to show the rest of the country how it is done.