Energy policy
Ms CRUGNALE (Bass) (19:16): (6443) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and the action I seek is for her to provide me with an update on how the Victorian government is continuing to support residents of my electorate of Bass with the rising cost of living. When we came to government we promised to make energy fairer and more affordable for Victorians, and we have delivered. The recent announcement that the $250 power saving bonus will be extended to all Victorians on 1 July is proof that this government takes cost-of-living relief seriously. It was so wonderful to meet the many people who attended or called my office to seek help with their energy bills through the previous $250 power saving bonus, with around 12 000 of my constituents all up accessing this program. One of the wonderful outcomes for our energy consumers has been the Victorian Energy Compare website. This website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service in Victoria, with data showing that seven out of 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with typical annual savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year alone. I thank the minister for her ongoing commitment to lower energy prices for households and businesses and look forward to the update.