David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How many private properties will be impacted by the construction of 28,000 kilometres of new poles and wires as a result of the government's energy policy?

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It would be better if the Leader of the National Party based his questions on facts.

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, the premise of this question is incorrect, because there is no government policy of 28,000 kilometres. He might want to check his facts. He's referring, as I've indicated to the House before, to AEMO's Integrated Systems Plan. He's referring to the green hydrogen superpower scenario. The government is seeking to implement the step change scenario. What we're doing, as we do so, is very significantly improving community engagement and consultation, and there's money in the budget to do so. Under the previous government, this did not occur, and the communities that are represented by the members for Ballarat and Hawke are paying the price for that indolence as we speak.