Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (14:28): I want to draw the chamber’s attention to the document released today, the 2026 Electricity Statement of Opportunities for the national electricity market, by AEMO, the Australian Energy Market Operator, and I think this house is entitled to a level of scepticism about AEMO’s productions. The first point is that they are founded on the policy decisions of state governments. They do not, unlike the views of some, give the best outcome; they give an outcome driven by the enumerated policy statements of the particular local governments. In fact AEMO’s report fails to tell the full story on a lot of issues around the reliability of our electricity supply. It is based on unrealistic and indeed, I think, somewhat rosy assumptions that power will be available when and where it is needed and that transmission lines will be built, noting the track record on this is not good and also noting that AEMO has consistently failed to allow for projects running late or over budget, and in Victoria that is certainly true as the costs have increased and increased. I note also that the controversial VNI West line appears to have had slippage, even in this, out to November 2031. Those who would say the VNI West would deliver electricity in the period around 2028 are sadly wrong, because the time has slipped by – (Time expired)