A Queensland Resources Council report has cast serious doubts over the Palaszczuk Government’s energy policies, saying a 60 per cent increase in the wholesale electricity price under Labor is threatening jobs and growth in the sector.
Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart said the report showed Annastacia Palaszczuk’s high electricity prices had already cost Queensland workers and their families, with jobs at Boyne Island aluminium lost because of soaring power costs.
“High electricity prices will cost Queensland more projects and jobs, as we become uncompetitive,” Mr Hart said.
“The QRC report sends a clear warning that Annastacia Palaszczuk should ditch her crazy 50 per cent renewable energy policy and support a sensible national renewable energy target like the LNP.
“Labor’s ripped out 100 per cent dividends from the government’s energy businesses as well as loaded them with almost $5 billion of debt – and allowed government-owned generators Stanwell Corporation and CS Energy to price gouge and drive up electricity prices.
“Under the Palaszczuk Labor Government, we are paying more for power than ever before as Queensland electricity prices hit record highs. Annastacia Palaszczuk continues to use electricity as a secret tax on Queenslanders.”
Mr Hart said the LNP’s policies to take action on power prices included a private sector-built High Efficiency Low Emission coal-fired power station, a sensible role for renewable energy establishing an Agriculture Energy and Water Council and a plan to freeze bonuses for energy executives.
“The QRC report says a High Efficiency Low Emissions coal-fired power station is the cheapest source of power – something we have committed to see built in North Queensland to create more jobs, more competition, more supply, improve energy security and improve certainty,” Mr Hart said.
“The LNP’s renewable energy policy is sensible and will not threaten Queensland’s energy security, while putting downward pressure on power prices for families.
“The LNP will scrap Labor’s extreme 50 per cent renewable energy target which will cost jobs, shrink the economy, increase prices, increase taxpayer-funded subsidies and cause energy insecurity.
“We will freeze bonuses for energy executives until electricity prices decrease. Labor has rewarded executives for record high electricity prices, which is not fair for Queensland families or businesses.
“Only the LNP has the policies to take action on cost of living pressures, so that we can create jobs, better support families and provide safe and liveable communities for all Queenslanders.”
