Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am pleased to provide my contribution on today's matter of public importance. It is an issue that the member for Wentworth and the Australian public are deeply concerned about. The Albanese Labor government has been firm since day 1: renewable energy is the most effective form of energy. This insight guides our investment in crucial initiatives like Rewiring the Nation and the Capacity Investment Scheme, which ensures the future security of our grid. Moreover, it also means supporting households in overcoming the most significant barrier to household electrification, the upfront costs.

To be clear, we're not here to ban or mandate; we are here to support and incentivise. Our commitment expands beyond households. It encompasses small businesses and even community facilities. The recent budget reflects our dedication by delivering substantial investments in energy efficiency. These measures are designed to alleviate the financial pressures on Australian families and contribute to reducing emissions. We have allocated $1 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to bolster financing options for household energy upgrades. We are actively partnering with banks and other lenders to modernise homes with battery-ready solar PV and contemporary appliances. These efforts will help over 110,000 households reduce their energy bills. We have committed $300 million to support upgrades to social housing in collaboration with states and territories. Furthermore, we have earmarked $310 million for the small business energy incentive. This will provide businesses with an additional 20 per cent deduction on expenditure that supports electrification and more efficient use of energy.

Our goal is to empower Australians and enable them to make the choices that suit their homes and businesses to reduce energy bills. We aspire to give all Australians the opportunity to go electric if they choose to do so. The Albanese Labor government is committed to driving down household and business energy costs and making homes and businesses cheaper to run. By improving energy efficiency, we can ease the cost of living and take the pressure off Australians. We know that Australia has slipped down to 58 out of 63 countries on energy use per capita due to the decade of inaction. However, we know that upgrading an average house from a one-star rating to a three-star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent, leading to lower energy bills. That's why the Albanese Labor government is helping households, including social housing and businesses, to access energy savings and upgrade through the energy savings package.

Let me also address the rumours about banning gas cooktops. The Albanese Labor government will not be banning gas appliances in people's homes. We know many people love cooking and love cooking on their gas cooktops. We are not forcing anyone to change, but we encourage them to consider induction, which is cheaper to run, cleaner and safer. The opposition's scare tactics are a weak attempt to compensate for their lack of policy. They are importing a culture war from the United States. This is just another hollow scare campaign from the feeble opposition.

The Small Business Energy Incentive will help up to 3.8 million small businesses save energy and reduce their energy bills. The bonus tax deduction will encourage businesses to invest in electrifying their heating and cooling systems, upgrading to more efficient appliances and installing batteries and heat lamps. We are also partnering with local governments to deliver energy upgrades and build savings for community facilities like local pools, sporting clubs and community centres. The Community Energy Upgrades Fund will also co-fund upgrades with local councils and unlock energy saving upgrades for community facilities around the country.

Our work here is not done, but we are firmly committed to this vision, a vision rooted in giving all Australians tools, information and access to cheaper— (Time expired)

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