Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Ministers statements: energy policy

Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:14): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is delivering lower power prices for small business. Today the Essential Services Commission delivered great news for all Victorians: energy prices for small businesses are coming down by 7 per cent. When it comes to energy, the Allan Labor government’s record investments are delivering cheaper and cleaner power. We are leading the charge, and small businesses’ Victorian default offer is lower than the national default market offer. For the average business the default offer represents a saving of $266 a year, or for a business that uses a bit more power they will save over $500 a year.

For those willing to shop around, there are better deals out there. I have been out across the state hearing directly from businesses with the member for Lara, the member for Monbulk and of course the member for Kalkallo recently. Small businesses are always looking for ways to save costs, and today the Allan Labor government has delivered. Prices are coming down. We are driving down energy costs with our investments in renewables, which is good for small businesses.

Those opposite are power tripping over themselves again over energy policy. What will their next meltdown be? Renewable leaders, maybe. On this side of the house we are getting on –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will be removed from the chamber without warning.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, is the minister able to table the notes that she is reading from?

The SPEAKER: Has the minister concluded her ministers statement? Do you wish to continue? Minister, were you reading from notes?

Natalie SULEYMAN: Referring.

The SPEAKER: The minister was referring to notes.

Members interjecting.

Natalie SULEYMAN: It has really got you today, hasn’t it? I love it.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Bulleen, you can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Bulleen withdrew from chamber.

Natalie SULEYMAN: On this side of the house we are getting on with delivering and making sure that the job of energy transition is what the Allan Labor government is all about. We are committed to delivering cheaper power prices, and most importantly we are delivering for hardworking Victorians and of course our small business community.