Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak openly and honestly about the state of our nation's energy policy and the need for a cheaper, better and fairer path forward. The truth is that Labor's reckless rush to net zero is failing Australia. Since the Labor government took office, electricity prices have soared by almost 40 per cent and gas prices by more than 45 per cent. Families are struggling to pay their bills, small businesses are buckling under soaring costs and manufacturing jobs are disappearing by the thousands, and yet we are told that this is the price we must pay for progress. But what progress? Across regional Australia, pristine landscapes are being bulldozed for wind and solar projects. Forests are being cleared, farmland is being rendered useless and the rights of landholders are being stripped away. Even notable environmentalists like Steve Makowski, who generally cares about the environment, now warn of the environmental damage being done in the name of green energy. This is not progress; it is hypocrisy.

Labor's net zero obsession is driving investment out of our regions, pushing up energy prices and weakening our sovereignty. We now rely more than ever on imported solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, instead of thriving on our own natural resources. This is the definition of insanity. We can choose a different path, one that puts Australian families, workers and farmers first. A high-energy Australia is what we stand for: an Australia that uses all of its resources—the sun, gas, coal, hydro, wind and, in time, nuclear—to deliver cheaper, reliable power. Cheaper energy is important because it contributes to everything we do—every coffee that's made, every piece of clothing we buy and the food we eat; everything. Cheaper energy prices mean a lower cost of living and more money in the pockets of people who need it, not a $9 trillion debt our children and grandchildren will need to pay back. Our vision is better for families, stronger for industry and fairer for all Australians.

The promise of net zero has become a gigantic burden on our nation—a burden that has seen real wages drop back to 2011 levels and the loss of 7,000 manufacturing jobs. It's time to face reality and build a new feature—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 12:26 to 12:35

It's time to face reality and build a new energy future beyond net zero—one that powers this nation with pride, purpose and common sense. A cheaper, better, fairer Australia begins when we move beyond net zero and put Australians back in charge of our energy destiny.