Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I welcome the opportunity today to talk about the government's plan when it comes to energy. This Albanese Labor government has done more in 171 days than the previous government did in almost a decade. We are acting to fix the mess left behind by those opposite and deliver overdue policy certainty and invest in the cheapest form of energy: renewables.

Unlike those opposite, we are powering towards renewable energy investment and implementation, not running from it. Renewable energy is cheaper energy, and by moving the energy grid to 82 per cent renewables we will be reducing energy prices. While the opposition refuses to accept the science, the experts are clear: renewables are the cheapest form of energy and getting cheaper. CSIRO and AEMO's GenCost 2021-22 report confirm that wind and solar are the cheapest source of electricity generation and storage in Australia.

This budget, we announced $224.3 million for community batteries for the household solar grants program—to deploy 400 community-scale batteries for up to 100,000 Australian households, including one in Warrawong, one of the lowest socioeconomic areas in my electorate. These community batteries will ensure that households across all demographics will have equal access to the benefits of renewable energy, no matter what your postcode or socioeconomic status.

We have also dedicated a $20 billion fund for Rewiring the Nation, including the Marinus Link, a project that was talked about for more than six years by those opposite. But Minister Bowen and the Albanese Labor government got it over the line in less than six months. This includes $1.9 billion to the Powering the Regions Fund, to make sure traditional and emerging industries in regional Australia, like my electorate, are not left behind, regions like the Illawarra. It is my priority to make sure my community is well equipped to adapt and benefit in the transition to renewables.

I am pleased to have secured $10 million for an energy futures skills centre at the University of Wollongong.

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