Julie-Ann Campbell
Moreton · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It was Steven Miles who introduced 50c fares, which go to making sure that people can have relief when they tap their card at the bus or to get on the train. And it was many energy workers who came together to make sure that publicly owned renewables could be back in state government hands.”
“We just heard during the MPI in this parliament every excuse that they could think of—every obfuscation that came to mind, every reason—to not back reform that protects our children. The news I want to give to those opposite is this: we will not lie down when it comes to ensuring that Australian children are safe.”
“It is important to remember that yesterday marked a tax cut, the fifth from this government, for every Australian taxpaying worker. It is important to remember that this government, unlike those opposite, backed in minimum and award wage increases which came into effect yesterday.”
“Yesterday didn't just mark the beginning of a new financial year, it marked the next step in the Albanese Labor government's crusade to ensure that cost-of-living relief is delivered to everyday Australians, and it sits in stark contrast to what we've seen from those opposite this week.”
“If you've ever sat in your car at the Coopers Plains crossing on Boundary Road, you would know that it can feel like an absolute eternity. It's been consistently named by the RACQ as one of the worst crossings in our entire state. Locals in my community have been waiting decades for the promised overpass to that rail level crossing.”
“But if you'd cracked open the LNP's budget last Tuesday, what you would have found as you sorted through the papers is that there was no commitment and no timeline to this important project being delivered, despite the state previously having committed $179.5 million to the project as well.”
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“It's been a challenging year for our Meals on Wheels—that was reported back by Sharon Willingham at the Brisbane South Meals on Wheels AGM I went to a while ago—with Cyclone Alfred shutting down the Sunnybank centre for many, many days. But, despite all that, 245,000 meals were delivered in the 2025 financial year, and I thank them for that. Thousands of my local constituents have been celebrating Diwali and Deepavali over the last few weeks—indeed, for some, over the last month. It's known as the Festival of Lights and it celebrates the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. At a time when we know that people have been pulling at the thread of our multicultural tapestry, it has never been more important to celebrate events like this.”
“I forgot the bread rolls. Last year I had the great pleasure of going on my first solo meals-on-wheels run at Meals on Wheels Sunnybank/Salisbury and I forgot them. Luckily, Sunnybank/Salisbury Meals on Wheels has a lot of fantastic volunteers who could pick up the slack when it came to delivering those bread rolls. I do want to thank Judy Evans and Karthik, who work at that Meals on Wheels. I'm incredibly lucky because I've got an electorate that has a few. We've got Meals on Wheels in Acacia Ridge, Sherwood and Yeronga. Their motto is 'More than just a Meal', and it's really true, because those volunteers provide not only a meal for vulnerable Australians—in particular, older Australians—but also a welcome relief when it comes to company and tackling social isolation.”
“I urge the opposition, the Greens political party and the crossbench to support what may be our only chance in a generation to enact the protections our environment needs, because, contrary to what people say, you don't have to choose between protecting the environment and boosting jobs. You don't have to choose between protecting the environment and investing in housing. You don't have to choose between protecting the environment and the economy. And that's what this bill does. This, right here, is a moment. It's an important moment because it's the moment that we get to change history when it comes to environmental policy. Instead of repeating the mistakes of the past, this is the moment to get things done. This is the moment to put the reform into place. This is the moment to pass these laws.”
“At the end of 2024, 46 per cent of the national energy market was provided by renewables, and we are working towards 82 per cent renewables by 2030. This forward-thinking bill includes regional planning to streamline development in areas where it will have less impact on the environment and to protect critical habitats of vulnerable species. The current legislation focuses on a project-by-project assessment basis, whereas regional planning will enable a thorough view of the environmental impacts on a regional basis, protecting areas of high conservation priority. The Minister for the Environment and Water has consulted widely on the bill, holding over 100 meetings, roundtables and forums, and the result is a comprehensive, meaningful, sensible and balanced environmental law reform.”
“Fifty-two per cent of our oceans are now protected, and Labor tripled the size of the Macquarie Island Marine Park. This was the biggest act of environmental conservation anywhere in the world in 2023 and was backed up by $1.2 billion of investment to save the Great Barrier Reef. This government has also forced big polluters to cut their emissions. As part of our commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, as part of this journey, we have committed to 62 per cent to 70 per cent emissions by 2035. We have approved 111 renewable energy projects. That's enough to power 13 million homes. Renewable energy generation in Australia is at its highest level ever, up in volume by around 30 per cent since Labor came to government.”
“This will reduce both duplication of processes and time, cutting the process from the current 70-day statutory period to 50 days or less. There are also provisions for bilateral agreements with states and territories to apply Commonwealth assessment standards to projects, ensuring consistency and efficiency. This accreditation will be audited every five years to ensure that the new national environmental standards are being met. The measures in this bill follow a proud Labor history of environmental protection. Labor governments created the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Labor governments saved the Franklin River from being dammed, and Labor governments protected the Daintree and Kakadu. In its first term, the Albanese Labor government protected over 95 million hectares of land and sea.”
“The new criteria will provide upfront clarity on what cannot be approved, making it clear from the start whether a project is viable and enabling faster, more transparent decisions. The legislation will also empower the minister to issue protection statements, guiding decision-makers on how to safeguard threatened species and ecological communities, including where unacceptable impacts or critical habitats are identified. The current assessment and approval process leads to lengthy delays, with companies having to deal with duplicated processes across federal, state and territory jurisdictions. The act will remove three of the six existing assessment pathways and introduce a new and efficient streamlined assessment pathway for project assessments and approvals.”
“That's why the new laws will legally require projects to avoid, minimise and repair environmental damage wherever it's feasible. Where significant residual impacts remain, they must be fully offset, delivering a net gain for the environment. This is a crucial step beyond the current no-net-loss approach. This approach places the environment front and centre and enables a more strategic large-scale investment in biodiversity and ecosystem repair. The reforms will also define, in law, what constitutes an unacceptable impact on the environment. Currently, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act includes a 'clearly unacceptable' category but does not provides a definition.”
“These standards will define the parameters for decision-making across the act, ensuring that outcomes for the environment are improved. They will provide clarity, giving business predictability and lifting the quality and consistency of regulatory decisions. They will drive economic investment. They will drive job creation at the same time as protecting the environment. Labor is prioritising the development of these standards, working on draft versions for matters of national environmental significance and environmental offsets and further drafts concerning First Nations engagement and environmental data. Once the legislation is in place, consultation on all standards will continue. Professor Samuel emphasised that reform must go beyond protection; it must also drive restoration of habitats.”
“The National Environmental Protection Agency will, as it's been described, be a tough cop on the beat. The National Environmental Protection Agency will be empowered to audit the assessment and approval processes of the states, keep track of environmental impacts and share that information openly. Companies that keep breaking environmental rules will receive tougher penalties. This may include taking the profits of a company that has been found to be breaching the rules. The bill will implement new environment protection orders to ensure urgent, risky and damaging situations can be managed quickly, and there will be enhanced audit powers to improve monitoring and compliance. Another key element of the reforms is the introduction of a new ministerial authority to establish national environment standards.”
“This is the opportunity to make a change that is real and to make a change that will make a difference. This is the opportunity not to block, not to play politics, but just to do something about it. What this bill means in practice is seeing more environmental protections and more restoration of critical national habitats while benefiting from more transparent and efficient housing approvals. It also means faster progress on renewable energy infrastructure and on the critical minerals projects that are vital for Australia's future. Labor is committed to establishing a strong and independent National Environmental Protection Agency. The agency will ensure that rules are followed without any political pressure and that the same standards apply across the country.”
“As Professor Samuel recently said of the coalition's posturing: It's bitterly disappointing because it says to me there are potentially political games being played, or posturing, which we should be putting aside. When it comes to political games, we know where that road leads. We've seen this movie before. We know what the outcome will be, because we saw it with the CPRS when the Greens and the coalition teamed up. We saw it in the last parliament, with the EPA, when the Greens and the coalition teamed up. It's been five long years since the Samuel report was handed down, and it hasn't been able to go through the parliament yet, because of the political games that Professor Samuel himself is so concerned about. This is the opportunity to change that history. This is the opportunity to take action.”
“This bill is all about better outcomes for the environment and faster decision-making. Fixing these issues will help us advance key national priorities, including protecting the environment, building more homes, creating more jobs, transitioning efficiently to renewables and achieving economic prosperity while doing it. Surely these are priorities that the opposition and the Greens can get behind, especially after the feedback they received in May from the Australian people—voters who were tired of legislation being blocked, voters who don't want to see this bill split, voters who want to see a sensible balance and voters who want action on the environment and on housing and on future prosperity.”
“This bill addresses the critical issues that were identified by Professor Samuel in his report—critical issues that were ignored by the opposition when the report was handed down. The focus areas are stronger environmental protections, more-efficient project assessments, and increased accountability and transparency around that decision-making process. These are the areas where it is clear that the current Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is failing. It is not meeting the needs of the environment, it is not meeting the needs of business and it is not meeting the needs of our community. It is an outdated piece of legislation. It's over 20 years old, and it is no longer fit for the purpose for which it was originally created. That is why it needs reform.”
“It's core to who we are. It's core to our family memories. It's core to our future. And I am certain that this is something that all of us in this place want future generations to enjoy. We know that to make this possible we need environmental law reform, and we need it now. That is what the Albanese Labor government's suite of environmental protection reform bills is focused on. We need to ensure that we deliver stronger protection of the environment while balancing the requirements of efficiency, housing and renewables. Five years ago Professor Graeme Samuel, commissioned by the Leader of the Opposition, led an independent review into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.”
“The federal government are providing funding to rehabilitate these habitats after decades and decades of industrial use, and they now support over 170 different bird species. Another of my favourite places to visit is Oxley Creek Common. There are four kilometres of walking tracks where, if you're lucky, you can spot some unique bird species such as the magpie goose or the black necked stork. And, of course, there is Toohey Forest. Toohey Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from koalas and echidnas to wallabies, frogs and reptiles. Work on the federally funded fauna crossing—$3 million to a fauna crossing—is due to start by the end of the year. I'm delighted that this will help wildlife move safely between habitat areas within the forest. Being outdoors and enjoying our green spaces is core to the Australian way of life.”
“My electorate of Moreton is home to some areas of absolutely outstanding natural beauty and diverse habitats. The Brisbane River, known locally and affectionately as the Brown Snake, meanders its way past Oxley, Corinda, Sherwood, Graceville, Chelmer, Tennyson, Yeronga and Fairfield, supporting a variety of freshwater, estuarine and marine-tolerant fish. There are beautiful parks—like the Sherwood Arboretum, one of only three botanic gardens in our city—dotted along the river's route, many of them currently adorned with jacarandas. Soon, poincianas will cover the parks with a blaze of red. A bit further afield, the Archerfield Wetlands encompass 150 hectares of eucalypt forest, open grassland, fresh water, wetlands and creeks.”
“They have been focused on the member for New England, the member for Canning, they have been focused on an absolute shambles of a party room. We are focused on delivery; they are focused on division.”
“For people in my electorate like Ken, it means he saves more than $60 each and every month because of a Labor government. We have made deposits of five per cent available for first home buyers, and that means for people in my electorate like Kane and Jaxen they have been able to get into the housing market. Labor is delivering, and the delivering that we are doing every day makes the cost of living easier for people, but we know there is more to do. That is why these past six months are just the start. Every day, this Albanese Labor government will be focusing on delivering for people. And when we contrast that against what we have seen the opposition spending their time on—they haven't been focused on Helena, they haven't been focused on Ken, they haven't been focused on Kane and Jaxen; they have been focused on themselves.”
“That means we will see hundreds of GP practices sign up, hundreds of GP practices who will now only bulk-bill. If you walk through the doors of a Medicare bulk-billing practice, again, that means you will only have to use your Medicare card. This is something that is incredibly important for accessible and affordable health care. When it comes to the cost of living, we've also been investing. We've introduced a 20 per cent reduction for student debt balances. Whether that's a TAFE debt or debt related to a university course, for someone in my electorate like Helena, who has benefited from the average of $5,500 off her student debt, this is life-changing stuff. This is stuff that has a real impact. We have made medicines cheaper so that you will never pay more than $25 for a medicine on the PBS.”
“They give people who have a strained arm the opportunity to go to a place with just their Medicare card and see a doctor. If your kid is sick on the weekend, they give you a place to go with just your Medicare card and see a doctor. We've also been investing in women's health—the largest investment in women's health that this country has ever seen. And what have we seen come from that? We've seen more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. We've seen investment into putting oral contraceptive medicines on the PBS for the first time in 30 years. And we've seen menopause assessments being rebated for the first time. That's what we're doing; we are delivering on women's health. There is more bulk-billing. On 1 November, we introduced an increase to the bulk-billing incentives.”
“When it comes to the Labor government, we are a government with our eyes firmly fixed on delivering for Australians every single day. Today, I want to take you through those points of delivery—what we've been focused on and what we've had our eye fixed on. The first is urgent care clinics. The Albanese Labor government has been focused on rolling out urgent care clinics so that people in our suburbs can access bulk-billed health care. In my electorate of Moreton, and certainly on Brisbane's south side more broadly, we have one at the bottom of Canossa hospital and we've got one at the bottom of the PA. These urgent care clinics give people who have a high fever the ability to go to a place with just their Medicare card and see a doctor.”
“It's been six months since 3 May, when Australians went to the polls. It's been six months since Australians got to participate in that great dramatic and democratic process of being able to cast their vote. It's been six months since people chose a Labor government focused on cost of living. But the measure of a party and the measure of a government has nothing to do with winning elections. The measure of a government is what it does with its time in government. The measure of a government is what it delivers for the people who elected it. The measure of a government is what it does for everyday Australians when it comes to governing. You couldn't see a starker contrast between what we've seen from Labor in government and what we've seen over the years from the coalition government.”
“It means that, by 2030, nine out of 10 visits will be bulk-billed in this country, and that is something to celebrate. It's something to celebrate because this is a government that doesn't just talk about our investment in health care, doesn't just say that will do something; it delivers. When we deliver, we make it real and we make it happen, and that's what we've seen with bulk-billed services today, that's what we've seen with urgent care clinics, that's what we are seeing with our Medicare mental health clinics, that's what we are seeing with new endo and pelvic pain clinics, that's what we are seeing with cheaper medicines, and that's what we are seeing across the whole of our health sector, because Australians deserve accessible and affordable care every day, and Labor delivers that.”
“This drove the turnaround of bulk billing, enabling an additional 6.5 million bulk-billed GP visits, with an additional 1.2 million in Queensland alone. Last Saturday was 1 November, and it was another important day in the history of Medicare and in the history of our health system. For the first time, bulk-billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill, not just the group I mentioned. What does this mean? This incentive represents the single largest investment in Medicare ever. It equates to 18 million additional bulk-billed visits per year. That is something that makes a difference. It makes a difference whether you are an old Australian, whether you have a brand-new baby that you want to go to an urgent care clinic, whether you are someone who is sick, or whether you are someone who has an injury.”
“Medicare had its 40th birthday last year, and it was well worth celebrating 40 years of low- or no-cost health services for Australians, no matter where they lived or how much they earned. Labor is the party of Medicare. We invented it. We don't leave it to rest idle. We invest in it, support it and make it better. It's part of who we are as a party and part of who we are as a government. And now, at 41, Medicare is going from strength to strength. This is thanks to a Labor government that's committed to the belief that, when you need medical assistance, you deserve to receive high-quality health care quickly, without breaking the bank. In 2023, Labor tripled the bulk-billing incentive for people who need to see their GP most often—for pensioners, for concession cardholders and for families with children.”
“In contrast, this is a Labor government that is investing in health and investing in the people who need it most when they get sick, the people who need it most when someone falls down and breaks their arm and the people who need it most when a devastating diagnosis comes back. That's why we've invested in urgent care clinics. That's why we've invested in women's health. That's why we've invested in cheaper medicines. That's why we've invested in bulk-billing. And what we know already is that hundreds of GP practices have signed up. It's for our communities, for Australians and for people from my community and that of the member for Lyons. It doesn't matter where you are in this country. What they need is bulk-billing, and that is what Labor is delivering.”
“It does not surprise me one iota that the member for Dawson does not support Medicare. It does not surprise me one iota that the member for Dawson does not support the bulk-billing investment that this government is doing, because this is a member opposite who is part of a coalition and a party who, when in government, tried to introduce a co-payment. What is a co-payment? A co-payment is the death of Medicare. Not only that, the member for Dawson is part of a coalition who, when in government, cut billions of dollars from health funding that people rely on each and every day to make sure that they can get better.”
“In 2021 a massive volunteer led effort was undertaken to restore the club, and now Clubhouse Moorooka is a hub for our community. I want to thank all of the fantastic volunteers who make that club hum. Benarrawa, a wonderful community organisation in my local electorate, recently had their 40th anniversary. They had a celebration of their fantastic local community work. They're great when it comes to resources to help locals prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, house by house, street by street, in our community.”
“Just a few short months ago I had the great pleasure of attending the Raise youth mentoring graduation at Corinda State High School. Corinda state high is one of 10 schools in Brisbane participating in the program. It's a program that began in 2008. It has supported over 16,000 vulnerable 13- to 15-year-olds and has trained over 11,000 mentors. It's all about an early intervention strategy to increase social and emotional wellbeing for young people. I congratulate the young people who participated, as well as the mentors. Sadly, the Moorooka Bowls Club, in my electorate, closed in May 2019. It had a proud history. It hosted the Commonwealth Games lawn bowls in 1982, and Queen Elizabeth II visited it then as well.”
“What have we seen from the Liberals? What have we seen from the coalition? They've walked away. They've voted against net zero. The member for New England has abandoned the party room. The Nationals have scrapped net zero, and the opposition leader is now at a crossroads. Only Labor can take the action on climate change that our community needs.”
“Such initiatives are forward-thinking and are having a positive effect right now as well as helping manage the effects of climate change into the future. While those who sit in the opposition are still arguing whether climate change is real or not, Labor is taking decisive action. In addition to the measures I've already outlined, we have invested up to $2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to support the rapid development of renewable projects. When it comes to climate and energy, what is clear is that people—whether they be households or businesses—deserve clarity. What we have seen in the climate space is decades under a coalition government where we have had a policy shambles, and that continues this week. That's continued over the past few months. What have we seen from the Nationals?”
“It's not just a responsible approach; it's also an ambitious approach, with proven technology and a road map to get there. This transition also offers economic opportunities that benefit our nation. Our environment initiatives like the Cheaper Home Batteries Program have inspired Australians to install over 100,000 home batteries since 1 July this year. Since May 2022, we've also added over 18 gigawatts of wind and solar energy to the grid. We've approved more than 100 renewable energy projects—enough for power in every home across the nation—and we are working towards 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030. We're also committed to supporting large industry to decarbonise. The National Reconstruction Fund is driving industry to scale up more renewables and low-emissions manufacturing.”
“We've invested nearly $16 million in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Climate Resilient Centre to coordinate local responses to climate impacts, and we are working with the insurance industry through the Hazards Insurance Partnership to better manage risk and improve our data sharing. By the end of 2026, we will identify priority actions with the states, territories and local governments to develop a climate change focused action agenda. The world is changing, and this is partly because of the transformation of industries and complex economies to net zero. As part of Australia's journey to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, we've committed to reduce emissions by 62 to 70 per cent by 2035. This responsible approach is backed by science.”
“We have Benarrawa, the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre, Community Plus+ in Yeronga and Communify in Acacia Ridge. What is clear, however, is that more action must be taken in order to make sure that that resilience is kept up and that our communities continue to get the support they need. Since 2022, Labor has made major investments to help our communities adapt to the realities of climate change. We've committed $3.6 billion to targeted resilience efforts and around $9 billion to broader policies and programs that support long-term adaptation. This includes the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, Labor's initiative to strengthen disaster preparedness, and the rollout of Australia's first National Health and Climate Strategy and health National Adaptation Plan.”
“I want to thank the member for Warringah for bringing this incredibly important motion to the House today. Acting on climate change is crucial, and the reasons are obvious to us all: 2024 was the hottest year on record, our communities are enduring more extreme weather events more frequently and ecosystems are under strain. In my home city of Brisbane, this year alone we've experienced a cyclone, an earthquake and flooding. In my local community on Brisbane's southside, we know the drill when it comes to natural disasters. Our local community is strong. Our local community helps each other out. Our local community is resilient. We also have a number of incredibly active community groups who are driving that preparedness and resilience.”
“Not only that: we need to make sure that, when it comes to energy policy, energy is affordable and reliable for every Australian, for every business and for every household, and that is what this bill is all about.”
“The reforms in this bill have been backed by stakeholders and experts for some time. There have been a number of public reviews recommending an autonomous AER. In 2015 the review of governance arrangements for Australian energy markets recommended establishing the AER as a standalone body. This was reinforced in 2017 in the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market. This review also noted that information sharing, liaison and cooperation should be preserved after structural separation. This bill is focused primarily on making sure we reform the energy market. But what sits behind it is our values as a Labor government. What sits behind it is the idea that when it comes to climate we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing. We must take action.”
“The AER will transfer all existing staff and be able to employ its own staff moving forward. There are numerous benefits to these reforms. Primarily, they set the AER up to be more agile in the face of changing energy landscapes. They make decision-making and governance more streamlined, eliminating duplicate decision-making. And they remove the dual ministerial responsibility for the AER's activities. Currently the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has portfolio responsibility for the AER, and the Treasurer has responsibility under finance law that pertains to the ACCC. Finally, these reforms remove the government risks that currently exist. They will end the governance of AER employees by the ACCC so the AER becomes independently responsible for both its strategic direction and its employees.”
“It establishes the AER as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and the AER board will become the accountable authority of the body. The necessary approval to amend the Competition and Consumer Act was granted by state and territory energy ministers in May 2023. The implementation of the bill recognises the need to maintain the independence of the AER. Consequently, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy will not have ministerial powers over the AER. The minimalistic approach to this separation guarantees that the ACCC and its constitution are not affected. Both entities will continue to benefit from the information-sharing arrangement currently in place. Importantly, staff will not be disadvantaged in any way by the reforms.”
“It has been acknowledged for some time that, due to both the wide-ranging remit of the AER and its growth, the current governance structure is not fit for purpose, and we need to fix that. This bill therefore establishes the AER as a standalone Commonwealth entity separate from the ACCC. The reforms will give the AER authoritative control over both its funding and its employees. While the chair of the ACCC is formally tasked with leading, governing and setting the strategic direction of the broader entity that includes the AER, it is the AER's independent board that ultimately holds responsibility for these functions. This is an obvious disconnect between authority and accountability. The bill amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.”
“At a time when the cost of living is affecting so many, Australians deserve to have a safeguard in place from government. As the AER states: Consumers are at the heart of everything we do. The AER works to ensure energy consumers have access to a reliable and secure market and that they pay no more than necessary for energy to their homes and businesses. You can see that the AER has a comprehensive and wide-ranging mandate. It was established in 2005 under the umbrella of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Its initial budget, in 2004-05, was $6.5 million. In 2023-24 the budget had grown to more than $95.6 million. The organisation has seen rapid growth in the number of employees as well. When it began, there were 15 staff. It now has a staff of approximately 400.”
“The AER regulates electricity networks and gas pipelines in all states and territories, including Western Australia. This translates to about 800,000 kilometres of overhead electricity, lines and underground cables, servicing about 11 million customers. The gas pipelines are over 73,000 kilometres long and provide gas for more than 4.3 million customers. The key role of the AER is setting the maximum amount of revenue that electricity and gas providers can earn. The other important role the AER has is to help consumers make informed choices about which provider supplies their energy. Fundamentally, it protects consumers from prices that are too high and approves customer hardship policies, amongst other safeguards. At a time when the cost of living is impacting so many, Australians deserve protection from prices that are too high.”
“These factors indicate why the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025 is absolutely necessary. It resolves some longstanding issues with the current governance arrangements for energy regulation in Australia, and, crucially, positions the sector for the future. The AER has been operational for 20 years. It is one of three major market bodies that oversee the national electricity and gas markets in Australia. The Australian Energy Market Commission develops the rules for market operations, the Australian Energy Market Operator controls the day-to-day operation of the markets and the AER has the role of monitoring compliance with regulations and performance. Each agency supports the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council to develop and support Australian energy policy.”
“People in my local community are taking up batteries, and we know that people from across the country are taking up batteries because they know batteries are an important way to drive a sustainable energy outcome as well as affordable electricity. We know that because we've seen over 100,000 people take up batteries. Other factors include volatile wholesale prices and changing demand, with record low minimum demand in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania but record high maximum demand in Queensland. The energy market can be affected by weather and outages at both generator and network levels, and there has been legislative reform to include emissions reduction in the national energy objectives. Energy is so important. It's important to industry, to households and to our local services.”
“We know that, when it comes to energy, what we need, what people need and what business needs is reliable, sustainable and affordable energy. The reform of the energy market is what this is all about. Australia's energy market is rapidly changing. The Australian Energy Regulator, in its S tate of the energy market 2024 report, surmised a wide range of factors which illustrate this. This includes the drive towards renewable energy. Rooftop solar is now the fuel source with the highest registered capacity across the national electricity market. Consumers are enthusiastically adopting rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles, becoming an integral part of Australia's transition to net zero.”
“It's also important to remind people what the opposition has been doing for these last six months while we've been in government. The Nationals and the Liberals had a bit of a beef at the beginning, and the Nationals took a break from that coalition relationship. After that, we saw the member for New England recently say: 'You know what? This is too chaotic for even me, and I'm out.' We have seen, over the last couple of days, the Nationals say, 'No, we are not up for net zero'—and, so far, silence from the Leader of the Opposition on this incredibly critical issue that will impact industry, homes, community groups and the future of our young Australians. While the coalition has been in complete chaos, in complete disunity and a complete shambles, the Albanese Labor government has been investing.”
“That's why we have set that ambitious target of 62 to 70 per cent when it comes to our path to net zero. There has been a lot of discussion—a lot of words, and a lot of talk—about energy and energy policy. What those opposite seem to have forgotten is where they stand on this. Those opposite had collective memory loss when it comes to energy policy, because they, the coalition, are the villains of the energy story of this country. It's worth reminding them what they have done when it comes to energy policy. What have we seen? We have seen a decade of energy policy uncertainty, a costly and fanciful nuclear plan that wouldn't happen for another 20 years and would cost billions and billions of dollars, and an internal crisis of faith in net zero unfolding before our eyes.”
“My community can't afford those things. My community is incredibly resilient and incredibly helpful to each and every person who needs it when they need it. But my community deserves better; we deserve resilience, and the bedrock of that resilience is always making sure that we are taking action when it comes to climate change. That doesn't mean that we don't have to invest in community outreach and in ensuring that, on the ground, we help people with preparedness and resilience for their homes, their local sporting groups and our local community organisations. But it does mean that, as a government, we also need to pull the levers that we have, to ensure that we are tackling climate change and addressing the energy challenges that we have.”
“We don't get to lie on the concrete when it comes to the economic opportunities in renewables and batteries, or to paving a way forward for the future. We don't get to lie on the concrete when it comes to the future of our young people. We don't get to lie on the concrete when it comes to making sure that we leave behind a world that is better than how we found it. When it comes to energy and climate change, we cannot ignore the economic impacts. We cannot ignore the fact that climate change not only poses a very real threat to our environment and to our way of life but also poses a real threat to our economy. And not only that: my local electorate of Moreton, on Brisbane's south side, has faced some significant natural disasters this year. We've seen a flood, we've seen an earthquake and we've seen a cyclone.”