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

This proposal has been widely welcomed and endorsed. The Grattan Institute has described it as:

… the last piece in the complex jigsaw puzzle of a credible energy and climate change policy for Australia.

BlueScope have welcomed it as delivering 'affordability and reliability', with needs which 'are considered equally', and saying:

We welcome this new approach because it's fair.

The Chief Scientist, who Senator Wong referred to earlier, has described it as 'a credible mechanism' from 'the country's most authoritative voice in energy matters'. AGL has said that it is a serious proposal to address reliability and emissions reductions. Manufacturing Australia, who I would have thought those opposite would care about, have said that it recognises the importance of renewables to reducing emissions but also prioritises affordability, security and a diverse energy mix. That is strong support, which is why those opposite should get on board and recognise that this is the way to deliver affordability and reliability, and meet our international commitments. (Time expired)