Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Ministers statements: energy policy

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (14:30): The Allan Labor government has a big climate action agenda, and we are making sure that students have a clear pathway to jobs of the future in the clean energy sector. Our government, under the Minister for Climate Action’s leadership, has committed to net zero by 2045. This is the most ambitious target on the mainland. Tomorrow the groundbreaking container deposit scheme will come into force, something we are all proud about but those opposite could not do. We also know we will deliver Australia’s first offshore wind farm in Gippsland and a wind terminal in Hastings –

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: Just calm down. The camera is up there, mate.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Education, to continue.

Ben CARROLL: Can I also say what a difference it makes having the member for Hastings. Let us all remember that those opposite held the seat of Hastings for 16 continuous years, with four years in office – did not deliver anything. Arguably it was unrepresented by them for 16 years. We have now a true Labor member with a seat at the table, getting jobs done.

But we have got a lot more to do. We have got $7 million to embed renewable energy in our TAFE system, $20 million for 10,000 students to do work experience and we are also delivering the $10 million hydrogen energy worker training centre. We are getting on with the job –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, I would ask you to cease throwing insults across the chamber.

Ben CARROLL: Is it any wonder his own backbench says he spends more time at the mirror and less time speaking to them?

The SPEAKER: Order! Through the Chair.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, it is disorderly to make personal attacks across the chamber.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I have said repeatedly today that the disrespect in this chamber is out of control. The Minister for Education to continue, without assistance.

Ben CARROLL: Under the Allan Labor government, students of today will have the jobs of tomorrow. We know the clean energy sector is a jobs opportunity, and under our reforms in the Education State we are making sure every person, no matter their postcode, no matter their background, has a stake in the future to deliver clean energy and meet our ambitious clean energy targets instituted by the minister for climate change. We are getting on with the job. We believe in climate change. We will fund programs and initiatives like tackling transport emissions to meet our targets. While those opposite keep looking in the mirror and keep looking backwards, we will get on, look to the future and deliver jobs for the 21st century.