Thursday, 14 August 2025

Energy policy

Tim BULL (Gippsland East) (09:59): I want to make some comments on the agreement the government has made with Solstice Energy to end the compressed natural gas (CNG) network in 10 ‍country towns, including Orbost and Lakes Entrance. When I asked about this in question time earlier this week, there were howls of ‘Wrong’. Solstice have now stated:

… the early exit of the agreement and decommissioning of the gas networks has been agreed with the Victorian Government.

They also said the Minister for Regional Development was responsible for striking this deal. The issue remains that households in 10 regional centres, including Orbost and Lakes Entrance, face significant out-of-pocket expenses to transition from CNG to electricity. Those opting for LPG are receiving far greater support, while those choosing electricity for various reasons are being offered minimal assistance. It is just not right that they will be massively out of pocket. This has arisen because the state allowed Solstice to exit a 20-year agreement after 10 years. The government should have ensured no transition cost. Why would you sign off on such a deal? I also remind the house that just two years ago the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio stated:

We’re ensuring Victorians aren’t locked into expensive fossil gas prices … helping them switch to efficient electric appliances …

Adding:

It’s time to put gas on the backburner …

Now the government has backed a deal to push LPG over electricity. It is running with the foxes and hunting with the hounds.