Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

We are a country of vast resources. That's why we are backing coal as an essential source of power for the long-term future, especially high-efficiency, low-emissions technology. The reality is that we should all agree that we need thermal power to ensure households and businesses across Australia can (a) survive and (b) thrive.

We're also encouraging states and territories to open up gas supplies and to encourage the exploration of gas reserves. This is a very important part of what our nation needs to keep downward pressure on power prices. We have got an abundance of high-quality coal resources, and we should be utilising those resources for the benefit of our communities. Our households and our businesses are being crippled by rising energy costs, and we need to be absolutely supporting these sectors so they can deliver the jobs that regional Australia requires.