Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

It is the case that Australians are battling higher energy prices, and we know why that is: we know what we inherited and we know where global markets are.

I think you perfected the art of 'I don't hold a hose, mate.' I'll take the interjection from Senator Ruston—she says you don't take responsibility. We've got your people in the House voting against the censure motion for the former Prime Minister who made an artform of never taking responsibility for everything! So let's be clear about who has been prepared to be upfront with the Australian people, who are clear that we have a significant problem in our energy markets that the government is working through, which is as a consequence of nearly a decade of inaction and denial of 22 failed energy policies and what is occurring globally. I know those opposite don't want to be reminded of this, but the reality is renewables are the cheapest form of power.

Opposition senators interjecting—

You see? If you ever wanted an example of why energy markets are where they are, it's because you are still locked into an ideological battle, a vortex of an inaction, because of the fight between the Gerard Rennicks and the Andrew Braggs.

Op position senators interjecting—