Mary Doyle (Aston, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

More than a quarter of a million Australian households, small businesses and community organisations have now installed solar batteries through the Albanese Labor government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Around half have also installed new or upgraded solar systems at the same time. Together, these batteries now provide 6.3 gigawatt hours of storage—a milestone that shows Australians are embracing solutions that cut power bills, make better use of rooftop solar and strengthen a cleaner, more reliable energy system.

In my electorate of Aston, more than 1,446 households have already taken up the program since it began—including mine—saving money, boosting energy independence and contributing to a stronger energy system. As more batteries are installed across the country, they help manage demand more efficiently, improve reliability and support Australia's transition to more renewable energy.

By contrast, the record of the former energy minister, now the Leader of the Opposition, was, quite frankly, appalling. His time as energy minister was defined by controversy and failure, with a tenure clouded by repeated questions about judgement and conflicts of interest. Under the former coalition government, prices stayed high and climate progress stalled. Australians deserve better, and our government is delivering just that. On this side of the House, we are focused on practical policies that lower bills, strengthen our energy system and build a cleaner future for all Australians.