Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

As I've told the Senate, we're taking a number of steps across retail markets, network systems and, indeed, generation. In terms of network systems, this chamber could have, if it had wanted to, passed legislation this week to put in place the limited merits review process. This is legislation that would have saved billions of dollars, because that's certainly the extent to which it's been gamed by network operators to date. But, despite saying it should be done, and done quickly, those opposite have sent it off to a Senate inquiry. They've acted as a roadblock and deferred action in that space. Nonetheless, as a government, we're getting on with taking action elsewhere. We're ensuring that two million Australian households across the country are going to have a clear opportunity to choose to get onto a cheaper energy plan, saving up to $1,500 per household in the some cases. We're ensuring that there is more gas back in the domestic market, with Santos announcing just last week an extra 30 petajoules in the market, which will make a real difference to supply and therefore affordability. (Time expired)