Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Wentworth for raising this very important issue. Like this side of the House and the government, she understands that climate change is real, that we need renewables and that time is running out. We know that the 10 years of inaction by the former government caused prices to go up. There was no investment in renewables. Of course, if you were an investor in renewables, why would you invest when the government at the time, the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison government, was divided about whether climate change was real? That was one of the starting points. If you were an investor in renewables, why would you have invested over that period of 11 years when they were in government? Thank God, the government has changed and real action is being taken to reduce emissions, to ensure that energy prices are cheaper and to ensure that we do everything we can to use those magnificent things of nature—wind, solar, the sun et cetera.

I'll read out an email I received last week from a constituent of mine called Paul, a resident of the Adelaide federal electorate. Paul said: 'The $125 quarter concession impact was astonishing. My last electricity bill was $52.69, an amazing 71 per cent less than I would otherwise have received and the lowest bill that I have ever received in my life. But it gets even better. When the PM initiated the energy cap negotiations, it stimulated my energy supplier to initiate a "free electricity for two hours a day" offer, which means an additional $45-plus per quarter credit to my bill. If included, then this amounts to a whopping 76 per cent saving to my electricity bill. Thank you, thank you, thank you.' Those were Paul's exact words and they speak volumes about the impact of the action that this Albanese Labor government is currently undertaking. The truth is that the government has been making some big moves in this area; initiatives like the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, the solar bank scheme and funding for social housing are making a real difference, and they're making a real difference in my electorate.

Paul wasn't just talking about numbers here; he was talking about the real impact that government action is having on his life. It's about putting money back in pockets of hardworking Australians, making a real difference in their daily lives and, at the same time, reducing emissions. Consider the impact of solar panels: if you've got solar panels on your roof, you're already saving between 39 to 57 per cent on your energy bills. That's up to $1,350 per year. And if you add a battery to your set-up, those savings shoot up to over 100 per cent—more than $2,000 annually. But the whole country benefits from cheaper energy through renewables: we reduce our emissions, which is the No. 1 priority for all of us, and, at No. 2, we have more players in the market with renewables, which will eventually bring prices right down. The whole country benefits from cheaper energy. Rooftop solar is driving prices down for everyone by reducing demand on the grid and cutting the need for expensive fuel sources during the day.

However, some people think that it's a good idea to put the brakes on renewables and to look at something called 'nuclear' 15 to 20 years down the track. We don't have time for 20 years down the track, but some people think it's a good idea. It will leave us in the dark as old coal plants shut down and make energy prices more expensive. They've even voted against helping struggling households with their energy bills, as we saw when we moved our energy bill about 18 months ago.

It's time to stop blocking progress and start supporting cleaner, cheaper energy for all, and that's why this government is investing in upgrading our grid and unlocking more reliable power sources. We're making sure that when the sun goes down you still have electricity, without breaking the bank. We're helping low-income families and renters get in on the solar action as well. With initiatives like the household energy upgrades and solar banks, our aim is simple: we want everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to reap the benefits of energy upgrades. Improving the energy efficiency of social housing means putting money back into pockets. It's about introducing better technology, efficient air conditioning, upgraded hot water systems, improved lighting, and double-glazed windows. After years and years of neglect it's time to act, and this Albanese Labor government is acting. (Time expired).

See this speech in context