THE Coalition parties have announced a new climate and energy policy that, in the view of Climate Change Australia – Hastings, risks slowing Australia’s transition to clean energy and undermining efforts to secure a safer climate.
The new policy would significantly reduce the roll-out of wind and solar, currently the cheapest and cleanest forms of electricity generation, while expanding the role of coal and gas, which are more costly and high in emissions.
It is difficult to see how these proposals align with reducing fossil fuel emissions, when they involve increasing the use of coal and gas, both major sources of climate pollution that urgently need to decline.
There is a clear and immediate need to electrify everything with clean energy, yet the latest Coalition policy fails to recognise this reality.
Their refusal to back stronger EV uptake is also out of step with public demand and global trends.
The Coalition regularly highlights electricity prices when in opposition, yet when in government they repeatedly failed to deliver meaningful or lasting reductions.
Despite promises in 2013, nine years of policy instability led to rising prices and declining reliability across the energy system.
This latest policy also retreats from their own 2021 commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, an essential pillar of any credible climate strategy.
The consequences of shifting course now are substantial. It risks triggering an investment downturn and leaving Australia without the electricity supply needed to meet rapidly growing demand from data centres and emerging AI technologies.
While the Coalition argues the market will decide, investors may instead choose regions where policy settings are consistent and supportive of renewable energy.
If the Coalition wants to be taken seriously on climate and energy policy, they must outline how and when electricity prices will fall, by how much, how they plan to expand generation capacity, and what level of taxpayer funding is required.
Using public money to prolong the life of ageing coal plants or open new gas fields is not a viable long-term solution for Australia’s energy future.
By Kerri-ann JONES, President, Climate Change Australia – Hastings
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