Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

I am seeking to answer it, Senator Macdonald. The government has been absolutely focused on ensuring energy security in the development of its clean energy package and you will see from the range of measures in the package that energy security has been a priority. You will also see not only in relation to the payments in assistance to generators but also in the pursuit of a contract for closure and the involvement of the relevant regulators the government has been very clear about the critical nature of ensuring the security of energy supply.

The second point I would make is that if the senator is concerned about these matters he ought to look at his own policy. Under the direct action policy funded by taxpayers, and the $1,300 per year impost on Australian families, the coalition is proposing also to shut down coal fired power generators in the Latrobe Valley and replace them with gas. I am referring to public statements made by members of the coalition front bench.