Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Ministers statements: energy policy

Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:10): I am absolutely delighted to update the house on how this government is delivering the nation’s most ambitious climate change agenda and renewable energy. It is National Science Week, and our world-leading target of net zero by 2045 keeps Victoria in line with the best climate science in the world and the Paris agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

John Pesutto interjected.

The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will come to order.

Lily D’AMBROSIO: These targets are based on the best advice from the scientific community, industry, consumer and welfare organisations, and our commitment to all-electric new homes requiring a planning permit. The science tells us that burning gas in your home is bad for your health but it is also bad for your pocket, absolutely. In fact the science says all-electric homes will produce lower emissions from day one and save Victorian homes $1000 a year every year on their energy bills. If they have got solar, thanks to our Solar Homes program, they will save $2200 on their bills every year. Of course we have had new people coming forward and saying what a terrific announcement this is. The Energy Consumers Australia and CSIRO report released last week absolutely joins in the chorus of welfare groups, housing developers and medical practitioners to say that this is good policy. It makes sense for health, it makes sense for the hip pocket and it makes sense for emissions. There are those of course that prefer to be on the side of the nuclear industry.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Lily D’AMBROSIO: The nuclear industry over there – Mr Nuclear in its pocket – and of the gas producers. There is one thing that those opposite will commit themselves to delivering to every Victorian: higher bills each and every year for decades.

Daniel Andrews: Higher emissions.

Lily D’AMBROSIO: Higher emissions, higher bills.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, I will ask you to come to order when I call you to order, and I would ask you to not refer to members by their names across the table but by their official titles.