Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:00): (2445) My matter is for the Minister for Energy and Resources regarding the significant barriers preventing residents living in apartments from accessing affordable and renewable energy. The action I seek is for the minister to outline the steps the government will take to ensure there is reform in owners corporation law and that access to solar rebates is expanded so that apartment residents are not locked out of accessing cheaper energy. During the cost-of-living crisis one of the main responsibilities of the government is to ensure that citizens have equal access to affordable energy. However, in Victoria we have thousands of residents living in apartment complexes who are being left behind due to outdated governance structures and policy gaps. In certain circumstances Victorians are expected to meet impossible thresholds – that is, residents must secure up to 75 per cent approval from other owners to proceed with sustainability upgrades. It does not seem to be better for those living in retirement villages or caravans with embedded energy networks.

We are looking at approximately 190,000 Victorians who are excluded from Victoria’s rebate scheme, which leaves them paying more for energy and having fewer options to reduce their costs. The Allan Labor government cannot chalk this up to just technical issues; this is profoundly a policy failure. It is clear that the technology for electrifying apartments exists. However, governance and regulation setting by the Allan government have not kept pace with modern energy needs. This is a real barrier the Allan government must recognise. Only 12 per cent of Victorians live in apartments, so I am particularly concerned that 12 per cent of Victorians are facing rising energy bills, reduced control over their living conditions and an inability to make simple upgrades to their living spaces – some things home owners take for granted. At a time of economic downturn it is unacceptable that apartment residents are locked out of opportunities to reduce their energy costs and improve efficiency. I ask the minister to provide a clear plan of reform of the current system so that Victorians can be assured that, regardless of where they live, they are able to access affordable, sustainable energy.