Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ministers statements: energy policy

Daniel ANDREWS (Mulgrave – Premier) (14:03): I am very pleased to be able to update the house on the fact that Victorians right across our state could not be any clearer in their support for renewable energy. Victorians know and understand that it is not a fossil fuel future that we ought be building or clinging to, for that matter. We have got to make this transition and make it in good time. That is why as the renewable energy jobs and the renewable energy capacity capital of our nation, every Victorian can be very proud of our investments and our resolve to get on and replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.

A member: Nation leading.

Daniel ANDREWS: It is, as my honourable friend says, nation leading. When it comes to net zero by 2045 or our other ambitious targets in relation to 100 per cent renewable electricity, we are in fact leading the world, not just leading our nation. The SEC – government-owned renewable energy for people, not for profit – is a very important part of this. We are not leaving it to the private sector to replace themselves, where their profits go up when things get scarce. We will not be leaving it to the private sector to make this transition for the rest of us.

Members interjecting.

Daniel ANDREWS: Some things are scarce and not so profitable over there, but we know when it comes to energy we have a multitude of different things that we are doing: the $1.3 billion Solar Homes program, creating 4500 jobs – and 5500 jobs by 2028; the power saving bonus – literally more than 1 million households have accessed that funding, that money in their pocket; but also seven out of 10 households who go to compare.energy.vic.gov.au are $330 better off each and every year. We lead our nation, and we are proud to do so.