Friday, 28 August 2026

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:48): Thank you for the opportunity for the last Friday ministers statement. Victorians deserve the cheapest and most efficient energy possible. For decades Victoria has relied on gas as a cheap and reliable source of energy, but we know – I think I heard Mr McIntosh talking about it today – that gas supply from Bass Strait is declining and it is no longer the cheapest or most reliable option for Victorian households and businesses. In fact the independent market operator, AEMO, predicts gas peak shortfalls by 2030. That is why the government has needed to step in. We are protecting gas supply for the industries that genuinely need it while helping households and businesses make the switch to electric, because for most Victorians electrification means cheaper, safer and more efficient energy. We are doing it fairly and sensibly. We have worked with stakeholders to design electrification reforms. We are giving people time to adjust, and we have built in commonsense exemptions where electrification is not practical.

Let us be absolutely clear about what the reforms do not do. There are no changes to gas cooktops in homes with an existing connection. There are no changes to existing commercial sites, including pubs and restaurants. If you own an apartment where hot water is supplied by a centralised system, you do not need to switch. Those opposite say they care about choice, but what they have made very clear is that they do not. They will rip that choice away. Victorians will have no choice but to pay higher prices and face increased risk of blackouts as the Liberals drain our remaining gas supplies. The Liberals will have no choice but to overturn their ban on fracking to supply enough gas to generate electricity and supply households and businesses. I am not quite sure how the Nats are going to explain that coalition to farmers. It is only Labor that will keep energy bills low, protect gas for the industries that need it and deliver the renewable energy that Victoria needs.