George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Dastyari, it's not correct that the government has ever advocated a clean energy target. It is the case that Dr Finkel recommended a clean energy target, and the government, as I've told you time beyond number in this chamber, Senator Dastyari, has spent several months now considering that recommendation. We've engaged all of the relevant specialists in the field, but, in particular, we've engaged and sought the advice of the people who actually operate the Australian energy market: the Australian Energy Market Operator and the Energy Security Board. On the basis of their advice, the government has adopted a better policy, a policy that will lead to greater reductions in the price of electricity to households—that is, the National Energy Guarantee. It is not our view; it is the view of the Energy Security Board.