Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

It seems that the opposition hates the idea of Australians saving money on their energy bills. But, by installing those rooftop solar panels, Australians are generating savings of between $822 and $1,350 per household on power bills, and that makes a significant difference to the hip pockets of Australian families. That's because, as this side of the chamber knows—and we have many examples right now before us of what that side of the chamber doesn't know—renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy. One in three Australian homes now have a solar installation, and the total small-scale solar capacity of Australia's 3.5 million household installations exceeds 21 gigawatts. That's the equivalent of 10 to 15 large coal-fired power stations. I am proud to say, Senator Rennick, that some of the biggest benefits are in Queensland. In South-East Queensland households with solar save 44 per cent on their bills, and in regional Queensland, Senator Canavan, households are saving 57 per cent on their bills. The Australian Energy Market Operator's latest report shows that the 31 per cent growth in rooftop solar output helped drive a 71 per cent reduction in wholesale prices in a year by reducing demand on the grid and reducing the use of more expensive sources of fuel during the day. That's why the Albanese government is ensuring wider access to cleaner, cheaper solar.

Senator Grogan is right: the Nationals leader, Mr Littleproud, did call for a pause on renewables. At a time when Australians are dealing with cost-of-living pressures, the Nationals want to pause the price reductions Aussies are getting through renewables. We're getting on with the job of rolling out renewables. (Time expired)