Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:38): We know that the cost of living is biting Victorians, and with fuel prices increasing due to the conflict in the Middle East, we can see that that is adding to their burden. That is why it is more important than ever that we continue to back Victorians with real, immediate cost-of-living relief, which is why of course we are making public transport free during April, powered by the SEC, helping those Victorians who can use public transport to leave the car at home and reduce their fuel costs. Whether it is on the brand new Metro Tunnel, the increased services across the state that the tunnel enables or one of the electric buses out of the new Preston electric bus depot, every free trip is powered by the SEC with 100 per cent renewable electricity – homegrown renewable electricity from Victorian projects that creates thousands of jobs for Victorians, homegrown renewable electricity that does not need to be shipped in from overseas. This is why we are accelerating the shift to cheap, reliable and locally made renewable electricity.

Every dollar counts. Whether it is free public transport for the month of April, powering public transport with renewables through the SEC, powering our homes with the sun that shines for free, providing discounts on energy-efficient appliances through the Victorian energy upgrades program or the $100 power saving bonus that has supported almost 300,000 Victorians so far, only an Allan Labor government puts Victorians first when it comes to the cost of living. While those opposite are fighting amongst themselves for the spoils of opposition, Victorians can take this announcement as a character reference. Only an Allan Labor government will provide the new solutions that make life easier and more affordable for every Victorian.