Wednesday, 8 February 2023

State Electricity Commission

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (17:44): (23) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for the State Electricity Commission in the other place, the Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio MP. I hear from community members in my electorate, the Northern Metropolitan Region, every day who make it clear to me that they are struggling to keep up with their power bills. Privatisation has just meant higher energy prices and higher profits for corporations, so it is clear something must be done to tackle the rising cost of living for Victorians.

I am also keenly aware that climate action is one of the biggest issues that matters to my constituents. I might consider following in the footsteps of a previous member for Northern Metropolitan Region and talk about a community survey, because it was, I think, a really good contribution, and members of the Northern Metropolitan Region are all too happy to engage with their members of Parliament in community surveys.

I am happy to say that the Andrews Labor government has a plan for a world-leading transition away from fossil fuels to renewables and we will have 95 per cent renewable energy by 2025, delivering real climate action rather than just talk. I am so excited – I could go on for days and days, but I see the timer – that the Andrews Labor government is bringing back the State Electricity Commission, which will deliver government-owned 100 per cent renewable energy, putting power in the hands of Victorians. My question to the Minister for the State Electricity Commission, Minister D’Ambrosio, is to ask if she could kindly update me on how the SEC will help people and households in the Northern Metropolitan Region.