Michael McCormack is allowed to ask a question. It’s been a while since we have seen Tip Top in QT – welcome back Tip Top! In very McCormack areas, the question is from something that happened almost six years ago.

My question is for the Minister for Energy and climate change. Labor promised Australians their power bills would fall by $275 in 2025. Is the minister aware that it is now 2025 and that electricity bills are up by nearly 40%? Why did the minister mislead Australians?

Chris Bowen:

I am aware it’s 2025. Not sure the National Party is.

He waits for the laughter to die down.

I am also aware there are pressures in our energy system as around the world. I’m aware the AEMO quarterly energy dynamics report released today which is a welcome progress report, which shows wholesale down, and 27% year on year and 38% quarter on quarter. I see this as good progress w much more to do. And there is no coincidence that the quarterly report which showed a 38% reduction in wholesale prices also shows the highest renewable penetration for that quarter in Australian history. This is the sign of progress. We have never said that there isn’t a lot more to do. We haven’t said there aren’t pressures in the system.

We have announced energy relief which were opposed by those opposite. That’s the difference between the two parties in this House – the Government and the Opposition – we recognise the need to ensure we have more, most reliable and cheapest form of energy which is renewables and those opposite are opposed to it.