Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (15:51): I am absolutely delighted to report on the strong program of building renewable energy projects in this state, thanks to this Allan Labor government. We are delivering, and there is no better example than my visit recently to the SEC’s latest project, the SEC renewable energy park in Horsham, alongside the Horsham mayor Brian Klowss, who was very happy to see the benefits of the project in delivering real community support – for example, the supply chain benefits to Wimmera Bolts & Fasteners and so many other really terrific local businesses that are getting good jobs out of projects backed by the SEC.

This Horsham project is the first 100 per cent government-owned electricity generator since those opposite sold off our energy system, funnelling profits of $20 billion offshore at the expense of Victorian families. Just one year into the construction, the SEC’s project has created 200 jobs while installing almost a quarter of a million solar panels, accelerating the renewable energy build. When we accelerate the build through the SEC, we actually grow the energy supply, improving our reliability and putting downward pressure on every Victorian’s household bills and business bills. Combined with the 100-megawatt battery, this will power more than 50,000 homes with cheap renewable energy every year. Not just that, but the battery will support the connection of a further 180 megawatts of renewables.

This is what you get when you have a plan, you have a strong pipeline of programs and projects coming through and you deliver. It is no wonder that Victoria continues to have continuously the lowest wholesale and retail electricity prices in this country. That is a fact. Those opposite might laugh, but what they oversaw when they were last in government was a 35 per cent hike in electricity bills and double the disconnection rates of Victorian families.

The SPEAKER: The time for questions has ended. The standing and sessional orders state that regular business is interrupted for question time and the matter of public importance to take precedence at different points of the day. Because of the suspension earlier today, constituency questions will not be finished by 4 pm, so the house will finish the business presently taking precedence, constituency questions, before moving on to the next business taking precedence, the MPI. I advise members that the bells will ring for the MPI immediately after constituency questions.

Danny O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, the Minister for Consumer Affairs stated that the opposition did not support his consumer affairs legislation. I would invite him to review the records and make a statement of a personal explanation to the Parliament.

The SPEAKER: I cannot compel the minister to make a personal statement.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Nationals! Minister for Consumer Affairs, you may leave the chamber.

Minister for Consumer Affairs withdrew from chamber.