Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:09): I rise to talk about cuts – not cuts to jobs but cuts to emissions. Victoria leads the nation in climate action, delivering on our climate targets, all while having the strongest economic growth in the country and delivering thousands of new jobs as we do it. Two weeks ago I was out in Gippsland at the build start of the SEC’s third renewable energy project, the Delburn wind farm. There I met four young workers – Tahlia, Jack, Tom and Grace – who have got jobs building that very wind farm. They were excited to be there on the job, gaining those valuable skills, building our state’s energy future just a few minutes drive from where they live.

The Clean Energy Council last week said that our ambitious build of renewables in Victoria will deliver $3.9 billion in wages, three-quarters of which will be right across regional Victoria, $3.2 billion in procurement for local businesses and $93 million in payments in lieu of rates to local councils. All of this is real money at the kitchen tables, at the local butcher shops and at the footy and netball clubs right across the regions in this state. This is what the Allan Labor government is about: delivering these jobs where people live – good-paying jobs. It is about the future.

The Clean Energy Council also commented on alternative policies that have been floated that would stop the build critical to providing that cheap new replacement supply of electricity needed to keep the lights on and power bills down. They said these alternatives would rip billions of dollars out of the pockets of regional Victorians – $3.9 billion in wages. Whether it is Jess Kennett, or rather Jess Wilson, nothing has changed over there. Only a Labor government will deliver creation of jobs for all Victorians.

The SPEAKER: Minister, I will not tolerate members not being correctly addressed by ministers or any members. Members will use other members’ correct titles.