Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (17:34): (1387) My adjournment matter for today is for Minister D’Ambrosio in the other place in her capacity as the Minister for Energy and Resources. The action that I am seeking is for the minister to provide me with an update on how the Labor government’s programs to reduce the cost of energy are benefiting local communities in Western Victoria. The 2024–25 Victorian default offer for households is on average more than $300 lower per year than the default offer in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. The reduction of the default offer by 7 per cent in 2024 saved households around $100 per year and businesses $260 on average per year on their electricity. According to the Australian Energy Market Commission, Victoria’s growing share of renewables will continue to deliver some of the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the country for the next decade, with prices in Victoria to fall by 9 per cent over the coming decade. The AEMC has predicted that the ongoing electrification of Victorian households will also help to reduce Victorian household energy costs.

Despite this, higher interest rates and higher prices for essentials such as food continue to put pressure on Victorian families. I am committed to supporting the communities of Western Victoria in reducing the burden of the rising cost of living, including the cost of energy that households need to stay cool in summer, warm in the winter and keep their lights on. That is why I am seeking that the minister provides me with an update on how the Labor government’s programs to reduce the cost of energy are benefiting local communities in Western Victoria.