Energy policy
Tim READ (Brunswick) (14:28): My question is for the Premier. Last year the world was 1.48 degrees hotter than the pre-industrial average, and the UN is quite clear that there can be no new fossil fuel extraction projects. Last month the New South Wales government moved to ban oil and gas exploration off its coast. But now oil and gas exploration may be about to start off the Victorian coast using seismic blasting, which will deafen whales and damage a whole range of marine life. Will the Victorian government follow the New South Wales example and put a stop to this?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:28): I thank the member for Brunswick for his question, and we are very proud to have strong targets as we transition towards renewable energy. In terms of the specifics of the project that he has made reference to, I will refer him to the minister for energy, who I am sure will be delighted to share a briefing with him.
Tim READ (Brunswick) (14:29): It is commonly stated that Victoria is running out of gas and needs more. The government has made the very wise step of banning connections to new homes for gas, but the next step to reduce gas consumption would be to ban the sale of new gas appliances, as explained by people like Saul Griffith, who say that we cannot afford to buy new fossil fuel burning appliances. Will the government act to stop the sale of new gas appliances?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:30): Again I refer the member for Brunswick to the Minister for Energy and Climate Action. Climate action is what this government is taking when it comes both to the transition to renewable energy – ensuring that we have projects, ensuring that we have the transmission, ensuring that we have jobs – and also to taking other action to ensure that we are supporting secure energy supply here in this state. I will say to the member for Brunswick he would have more credibility if he did not engage in the sorts of stunts we have seen occur from him and his colleagues in question times past. I will refer him to the minister for further information.