Energy policy
Richard RIORDAN (Polwarth) (09:52): I wish to again bring the house’s attention to the parlous state of the cost of living in the electorate of Polwarth. Residents and households right across Polwarth are suffering at the hands of what is clearly government-led inflation in the cost of energy. This winter, again, we have seen skyrocketing firewood prices, which is an essential form of heating in winter for households across Polwarth, as a direct result of the government’s decision to no longer allow the forest firewood coupes that have been in existence for more than 100 years. We have seen new planning provisions banning the installation of gas appliances, which are adding thousands and thousands of dollars to the cost of new homes. Worse still, many streets in my electorate of Polwarth simply do not have the electrical capacity for homes to go all electric – another huge cost inflicted on households that this government has refused to deal with. The cost of energy and the cost of living is really hurting Polwarth homes.