Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

It is therefore the Australian government’s objective to deliver renewable energy to Australian consumers at the lowest possible cost by allowing a wide range of renewable technologies to compete in the race to commercialisation and market. That is our endeavour, and I think that is the right way forward not only for the operation of the national energy market but also in terms of doing the right thing by Australian consumers and by our environment.

I note the good support given by the member for Dawson to the coal industry and the fact that he is very supportive of the Australian government’s low-emission coal endeavours, which also have the support of state and territory governments and industry generally. We are absolutely committed to this process because 83 per cent of Australia’s energy actually comes from coal fired power stations. One of our priorities is to improve the capacity of carbon capture and storage. The Prime Minister is to be commended for the international leadership role he has taken in establishing the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.

I am also pleased to advise the House that, in the very near future, as a result of the parliament’s support of our offshore carbon capture and storage legislation, we will be in a position to release the first round of potential offshore storage areas for commercial consideration, which is a further step forward because that legislation, aimed at the capacity to store carbon, is a world first. I commend the bill to the House and thank all those members who have participated in a constructive and cooperative way in the facilitation of the passage of this bill.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that the bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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