Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

They're on the big picture today! Indeed, Tony Abbott was elected in 2013, but he didn't make it to a two-year anniversary. So it depends when in 2015—because he didn't make it.

I'm asked about the renewables issue in that part of Victoria and about the Bush Summit. I can quote from someone's first speech:

Mallee is perfectly positioned for renewables, but the capacity of our existing grid infrastructure is making some promising options unviable. I look forward to working further to improve connectivity to the grid in Mallee.

First speech! But don't think it stopped there. It wasn't a one-off, because this was in 2020:

This is why we desperately need to prioritise projects that will increase Victoria's grid capacity, including the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project, which will install new power lines from Melbourne through Ballarat to Ararat as well as VNI West …

…   …   …

… in Australia's energy grid infrastructure … I will continue to support the development of related projects in my electorate of Mallee.

But it didn't stop there. This is someone who was committed to renewables in that part of the world. On 7 October 2020, Dr Webster welcomed announcements she said would benefit the Mallee electorate. These included 'up to $250 million to accelerate major transmission projects, including VNI West, which will benefit Mallee in order to deliver reliable energy'.

The member used a term. I'll tell you what the term is—the term is for someone who, in their first speech in this parliament, speaks about these projects and champions them; who backs it in 2020; who, when money is put in the budget—$250 million—puts out media releases saying: 'Woohoo! This is going to be of great benefit!' and then pretends somehow that they're against the very project that was given the tick by the coalition government and funded by the coalition government, and then tells people, 'Yes, no worries, get out there, bring along a noose to a public meeting,' as if that's appropriate.

But it doesn't stop there, because a range of Nats MPs have form in backing in the electorate, and—

See this speech in context