Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Ministers statements: energy policy

Jaclyn SYMES
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Ministers statements: energy policy

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:26): Today I would like to speak on the Labor government’s plan to maintain electricity reliability. Our energy plan is not driven by ideology, it is driven by evidence. As Victoria’s ageing coal-fired power stations retire, we are replacing them with more affordable renewables and the transmission needed to get that energy to households and businesses. The Yallourn closure in 2028 will be covered by our record investments in renewables and major transmission projects, and we are building on the investments through to the 2030s to cover the closure of Loy Yang in 2035. This includes Australia’s first offshore wind auction, which I have had the pleasure of talking about in this chamber, which will contribute to $18 billion in regional wages through the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan.

But we are not the only ones with a plan. Others have said that they will seek to extend the life of the ageing Loy Yang coal-fired power station, scrap renewables and replace them with Mrs McArthur’s favourite: nuclear power. It is a plan that I have not heard any of those opposite say they disagree with. I really have not heard this. Perhaps it is a passive partnership that would have disastrous impacts for Victorians: higher bills, more blackouts and a dirtier energy system. Even AGL has warned that the plan to force its ageing coal-fired power station to operate beyond its scheduled closure, even if possible, will drive up costs and increase the risks of unplanned outages.

On this side of the house we know that renewables are the cheapest form of the new electricity generation required to deliver reliable electricity for decades to come. Whilst the Liberal–One Nation coalition clings on to yesterday’s energy system, we are getting on with delivering what Victorians need. I would encourage those opposite to come clean on which side they are on.
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