Wednesday, 11 September 2024

Ministers statements: Victorian energy upgrades program

Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:24): I have some great news to share with the house about how the Allan Labor government is continuing to help Victorian families to slash their energy bills. Our Victorian energy upgrades program is rolling out discount energy efficiency upgrades left, right and centre. Since we introduced new electrification discounts for space heaters and hot-water systems in the VEU program last year in May, 48,300 systems have been installed, saving Victorian families hundreds of dollars off their energy bills each and every year. In fact, demand for our hot-water rebate has gone up by –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, if I may seek your guidance, ministers statements are not required to be factual in the same way as questions are, are they?

The SPEAKER: It is not for me to determine whether the minister is being factual.

Lily D’AMBROSIO: More good news: in fact demand for our hot-water rebates has gone up by a massive 600 per cent. And why is this? Because Victorians know that getting off gas and going electric saves them hundreds of dollars each and every year off their energy bills.

Just this past weekend I was pleased to accept an invitation from the good people of Hawthorn to speak at the Electrify Boroondara expo, joining the very excellent member for Ashwood. I am delighted to say that Solar Victoria and the SEC were there to provide practical advice on how to electrify and save money on household energy bills. I do want to thank the expo organisers, in particular Sophie Torney, for putting on a great event. Inspiring community leaders to help people with practical advice to save money on their household bills through electrification is really important. In fact I heard lots of people say that Sophie Torney would make a great member of Parliament for Hawthorn one day. I do acknowledge that the current member for Hawthorn was present, but he was gagged from speaking at the event by his own party. We are getting on and saving people money – (Time expired)

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Minister! The minister is warned. I hope that I do not see that kind of behaviour again. I will have to remove you from the chamber.

Before we go on with today’s proceedings, can I acknowledge in the gallery the Ambassador of Türkiye Mr Gezer and also the consul general of Türkiye Mr Doğan Işık. Welcome.