Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Our nation stands at a defining moment in energy policy, and O'Connor's regional communities are at its heart. For more than a century, Collie coal has powered Western Australia—built on intergenerational pride, with entire families of power industry workers carrying forward skills, discipline and energy expertise. Collie has established power generation and transmission infrastructure, a proven workforce and an unmatched understanding of what it takes to keep the lights on 24/7. Yet today, Collie faces uncertainty. Decisions by both the WA and federal Labor governments risk putting thousands out of work through premature closures, without a credible, lasting vision for what comes next. WA Labor's Just Transition plan is clearly failing. As Angus Taylor outlined in the budget reply, we must think bigger. Communities like Collie have a high energy IQ. This is where the future should be built, not shut down.

Around the world, advanced economies recognise nuclear energy as essential to any serious transition, delivering reliable, low-emissions base-load power. We are also in an era defined by data centres—critical to our economy but extraordinarily energy intensive. They require power that is reliable, affordable and abundant. Collie should be central to this future. A re-elected coalition government will deliver long-term job security and energy efficiency, ensuring that communities like Collie continue to power Australia for generations to come.