Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question, but I definitely do not accept the assertions that are contained in the body of that question. It is clear in the world today, whether those opposite understand it or not, that the cheapest form of electricity is renewable electricity. That's why we have got the renewables sector going again—something that those opposite did their best to absolutely crush and, in the process of which, were doing everything they could to see upward pressure on energy prices in this country.

But we have got investment in renewables going again, such that there is a 25 per cent increase in the grid. We are doing that in terms of putting downward pressure on energy prices. What those opposite have to offer is a $600 billion nuclear plan which will cost Australian households an additional $1,200 a year, because it is understood around the world to be the single most expensive form of energy today. And there is no prospect of that energy coming onto the grid for years and years to come, and, when it does, it will represent about four per cent of the electricity grid.

So, that is what is being offered by those opposite. Literally every one of those on the other side has their head stuck in the sand. They refuse to acknowledge modernity in terms of walking down the path of renewable energy. They are busily trying to discover bronze, and in the process—

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