Thursday, 17 August 2023

Energy policy

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:20): (245) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Energy and Resources. In light of the government’s rather sudden decision to ban gas connections in newly constructed homes in 2024, after having been blindsided by this decision, it has come to my attention that a number of small-scale operators have already incurred unnecessary expenses and project these to grow exponentially in the coming year. To ensure supply can fulfil demand, some gas appliance distributors had already prepurchased their expected annual sales requirements from manufacturers. They are now going to be saddled with significant excess stock. In all its infinite wisdom, did the government plan for this eventuality?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:21): I thank Mrs Tyrrell for her question. I will pass it on to the minister for energy, and in accordance with the standing orders a response will be provided.

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:21): Will the government consider subsidising the loss of revenue to the affected businesses?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:21): I thank you for your supplementary, which I will also pass on to the minister for energy for a response.