"Only a Coalition Government will deliver the Toowoomba Bypass"

6 September 2012

Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Ian Macfarlane has welcomed the release of a draft report from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) into the management of consumer electricity prices.

“The Coalition has a long-standing commitment to Australia’s energy security and ensuring electricity is both reliable and affordable,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“In Government and in Opposition we have a clear and demonstrated record of carefully considering and implementing reforms as appropriate.

“Unfortunately, the Gillard and Rudd Governments have dropped the ball on energy market reform and power prices.

“While there are several factors that contribute to electricity prices, including previous State Labor Governments’ relentless use of electricity networks as cash cows, the simple fact is that the Gillard Government’s carbon tax is causing substantial spikes in power prices that consumers are seeing on their current bills.

“The Labor Government is a latecomer to issues of energy reform, with virtually no mention of it for almost five years until Prime Minister Gillard’s sudden interest, against the backdrop of her rapidly disintegrating carbon tax regime.

“Energy market reform is an ongoing process that deserves the full attention of Government, to maintain energy security and affordability.

“It won’t be achieved by a Government that cherry-picks parts of the issue or manufactures fights with State Governments to score political points.

“The Coalition will give full consideration to the AEMC draft report released today and future reports, as part of our comprehensive approach to energy policy, which includes scrapping the destructive carbon tax which is driving up power prices and undermining Australia’s international competitiveness.”