LIBERALS PLAN FOR MORE NEW COAL AFTER ELECTION

MARK BUTLER MP.
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5 years ago
LIBERALS PLAN FOR MORE NEW COAL AFTER ELECTION
MARK BUTLER MP
The AFR have confirmed if the Liberals win the election a list of new coal-fired power plants, in Victoria and New South Wales, will be under consideration.

Scott Morrison wants to give away billions in taxpayer funded subsidies for new coal, instead of investing in renewable energy – and Victoria and NSW will be next on their list:

“Mr St Baker's controversial multibillion-dollar proposals for new high-efficiency, low-emissions coal plants in Victoria and NSW didn't make the cut, but are understood to only have been shelved to the next stage in the UNGI process, subject to the Coalition winning the federal election.” [AFR, 27 MARCH 2019]

The industry has refused to fund these coal-fired power stations with their own money because they are too expensive and are not consistent with Australia’s energy future.

As a result of the Liberal attacks on renewable energy power bills have skyrocketed and thousands of jobs in renewables are at risk.

It’s clear that the Prime Minister is signing up to anything just to try and paper over the massive division in his party on energy and coal. Last year the Prime Minister dismissed the very idea he is now proposing:
“Let's not think that there's cheap new coal, there's not.

 "And [HELE] takes seven years to turn up, so if we think that is all of a sudden going to make your power bills cheaper next month, it won't.

 "Whether it's a part of the system in the future, I think the rules will define that, but new cheap coal is a bit of a myth." [SCOTT MORRISON, AFR, 13 AUG 2018]
 
Bill Shorten and Labor are committed to cheaper, cleaner power through renewable energy. Scott Morrison and the Liberals are committed to power privatisation, more coal and higher power bills.

We need investment in cheaper, cleaner renewable energy, not handouts for multinational energy companies.
Energy