Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience) Share this | Hansard source

I am the minister representing lower emissions. They have reduced 20 per cent, and we're very proud of that as a nation. There are a lot of countries that talk a big game with regard to lowering emissions but don't actually deliver, but on this side of the parliament we focus on delivery and outcomes, not platitudes. We're focused on delivering affordable, reliable energy to support the economy and new jobs, and Australia's competitive advantage has always been based on cheap energy and gas. It will be central to our ongoing economic recovery.

On this side, we understand that gas is a critical enabler of our economy and employs so many working-class Australians. For the past decade, the manufacturing sector has depended on gas as its largest source of energy. Gas makes up 42 per cent of manufacturing's total energy use, according to the latest Australian energy statistics. That is why our gas fired recovery is so critical. It is a cornerstone in strengthening Australia's sovereign capabilities. You only need to look at what's happening to gas prices in Europe to see the devastation that can occur in the economy: prices are rising more than 300 per cent. As a result of industry and government working together, we've been able to avoid these international price hikes, with our prices being around 78 per cent lower than prices in Europe, which were trading at over $47 per gigajoule in mid-March.

We're taking action to boost the east coast gas market across the entire supply chain. Through the budget, we're backing seven priority projects, as well as key carbon capture and storage pipelines, with a $50.3 million investment. Our investment will get local gas where it's needed to help keep the lights on and homes heated in southern Australia. In our home state of Victoria, Senator Thorpe, it does get quite hold. Having homes heated during winter is important. (Time expired)