Thursday, 31 August 2023

Energy security

David HODGETT (Croydon) (09:40): I was intending to speak about another topic today, but when you rise this morning to headlines about the dire outlook for our state’s energy supply, it cannot go unnoted – headlines such as:

SHOCKING TRUTH EXPOSED

Nightmare blackouts alarm in sweltering summer of discontent – Victoria singled out as worst state for energy reliability – Household bill hikes as gas ban to worsen supply shortages

What the hell has this incompetent, lame government been doing? It paints a grim outlook, calling for urgent investment by this government. It warns of an east coast summer energy crisis. Again, what has the government been doing? It is asleep at the wheel. When you read headlines such as:

Victoria is facing more regular blackouts … Coal, gas and diesel shortfalls have been identified as a “material risk” to the grid … The Andrews Government’s ban on gas will have a significant impact on winter electricity consumption … Victoria’s concerns will spike with the closure of the Yallourn power station in 2027–28 … Transmission projects coming online aren’t keeping up with the pace of traditional coal-fired power stations closures

it is a deep concern, the picture this paints. The media reports go on to say:

Victorians have been given dire predictions of potential blackouts this summer, with the nation’s electricity and gas market watchdog ranking the state as the worst in Australia for energy security.

What has this government – (Time expired)