House debates

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Questions without Notice

Energy

2:00 pm

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Did the Prime Minister make a promise to the Australian people on 4 April 2022 which would 'result in energy prices coming down by $275 per household'—that his energy plan will result in energy prices coming down by $275 per household?

2:01 pm

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

The Leader of the Opposition asks about the RepuTex modelling that was done on our energy plan. He should be able to find the RepuTex modelling, because it's the only modelling ever done for a proper energy plan, one that we put forward. Of the 22 policies that they put forward, none of them landed and none of them delivered. But they have an opportunity to deliver one of their energy plans: the safeguard mechanism that is before this parliament. I say to those opposite, if they're serious about giving business—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order. The Prime Minister will pause. The Leader of the Opposition on a point of order.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, in accordance with your direction, this question couldn't be any tighter. It asked about whether the Prime Minister made that quote or he didn't. Does he stand by his words, or do we continue to hear from this Prime Minister an answer that just makes no sense?

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Resume your seat. The Prime Minister was asked about his election commitments before the last election and about his promise before the—

Opposition members interjecting

Well, about his words before the election about energy prices. I will ask the Prime Minister to return to the question. I am listening carefully to his answer, and he is in order. I give him the call.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

Did he say those words?

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The Leader of the Opposition!

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

The more pathetic the question the louder the interjections, Mr Speaker—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will—

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

the more pathetic and weak it is! They come in here and they spent all last week talking about super. Where is it? The sounds of silence—Garfunkel had nothing on this mob over there! The sounds of silence is what we hear from those opposite when it comes to the big issue that they were going to make. Instead, they go back to half quotes and half statements; it shows their dishonesty. Those opposite do have an opportunity, though, to vote for their policy on energy. They have an opportunity to vote for the safeguard mechanism. I encourage them to do so.