Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Waters, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2021:

The future of the National Electricity Market, including any changes necessary to deliver a secure, reliable and least cost electricity system, and with particular reference to:

a. the post-2025 market design final advice of the Energy Security Board; and

b. any related matters.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this motion, as this is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent and undermine the collaborative work of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments which has been undertaken through the Energy Security Board. The ESB's advice on post-2025 market design is the culmination of two years work and extensive consultation. Their proposed reforms have been warmly welcomed, including by CFMEU Mining and Energy and the Australian Workers Union, as critical to securing Australia's manufacturing sector. The ESB estimates that these reforms could save consumers $1.3 billion. Running a parallel Senate inquiry into a major public consultation will undermine much-needed work to reform the NEM and demonstrates that the Greens prioritise grandstanding on climate change over the national interest.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate matter No. 2 be agreed to. Those of that opinion say 'aye'; to the contrary 'no'. The noes have it.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could I have an indication about how Labor was intending to vote on that?

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We'll support it.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The ayes have it.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will call for a division, even though we are in a unique situation where there aren't two voices, on the basis that Senator Urquhart said that the Labor Party was supporting it.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I'm in the unfortunate position where we don't know where the crossbench stands. So we actually don't know what the state of the chamber is.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You are entitled to call a division.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If we can get an indication, I may withdraw my request for a division.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the interests of the chamber, can I put on the record that the government and One Nation both oppose this motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Siewert, did you want to say something?

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In that case, I withdraw the request for a division, but I would like it noted that the Greens, obviously, supported our own motion.

Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] Mr President, I just want to confirm whether this is the referral for the select committee.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, this is the reference to the Environment and Communications References Committee on the future of the NEM—Business of the Senate matter No. 2.

Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In that case, I would like to indicate my support.

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I indicate Labor's support for this motion as well.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So, for the record, the noes have it with those recordings.

Question negatived.