George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Barry O'Sullivan for that very important question. Senator O'Sullivan, the Turnbull government has taken action right across the board that has already seen benefits for Australian consumers, particularly for those in Queensland. On networks, we've abolished the limited merits review to stop energy network companies gaming the system. We've secured an agreement with the domestic gas producers which has seen the spot gas price reduce and more gas put onto the domestic market. Our National Energy Guarantee will also bring down wholesale prices by 20 per cent to 25 per cent, which could be a saving of around $5 million for an energy-intensive industrial user.

Senator O'Sullivan, you and I know that the Palaszczuk Labor government in Queensland has been ripping off energy users in our home state by dragging money out of their energy network systems and abusing the processes. The coalition government is determined to put the interests of all Queenslanders and Australians first when it comes to energy policy. Tim Nicholls and his LNP team are also committed to more affordable and reliable energy for Queenslanders. The LNP in Queensland will end Labor's secret tax on electricity and save a typical Queensland family, on average, $160 per year on their power bill. By 2020, savings will increase to around $300 a year on average. That's $300 a year less on the electricity bill for an average Queensland household thanks to Tim Nicholls and his LNP team. Working with Tim Nicholls and the LNP in Queensland, we will deliver a real difference to Queensland electricity budgets and power prices.