Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Energy policy

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (13:27): (558) My question is for the Leader of the Government, representing the Premier in the Legislative Council. Last week the Minister for Energy and Resources announced the approval of Beach Energy’s Enterprise project. The approval is the final green light for the fossil fuel company to extract dirty methane gas off the coast of Port Campbell. Attorney, the science is clear: we must immediately stop extracting and burning fossil fuels if we are to avoid catastrophic global warming. Why does your government continue to approve new fossil fuel projects?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:28): President, I may take your guidance. I welcome your question, and I am more than happy to direct it, but you have literally referenced the minister’s actions and the minister’s comments but referred your question to the Premier. Although I can refer it to the Premier and she will answer, I really question the logic of you being very specific about a portfolio responsibility and not directing it to the relevant minister, so I will just give you the option. I do not understand why you would not direct it to the Minister for Energy and Resources.

Sarah Mansfield: I still believe this is a question for the Premier. It is about your government’s overall direction on this issue as opposed to an individual minister’s decision.

The PRESIDENT: A question can be directed to the Premier.

Jaclyn SYMES: As I indicated, I am more than happy to refer that to the Premier.

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (13:28): I thank the Attorney for referring that on. We know that gas forecasts regularly underestimate demand-side solutions. A 2020 report by Northmore Gordon for Environment Victoria found we would not have a gas shortage and would roughly halve demand by 2030 if the government increased incentives and programs to move households off gas and towards electrification. Why not take this path rather than the path of drilling for more fossil gas?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:29): I will refer that to the Premier.