Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not oppose this motion, but I would like to clarify a few issues. The AER has issued draft determinations that will reduce electricity prices in New South Wales, the ACT, South Australia and Queensland. The determinations are now being challenged by certain power network companies. The AER is a statutory authority and its decisions are subject to judicial review by the Federal Court and not by the government. The AER is not negotiating, and does not negotiate, its determinations. However, we note that in recent years the AER has been provided with new rules and tools, and we believe that these changes are now starting to deliver. The government also notes that the AER has been subject to two reviews in the past year: first, the Harper competition policy review recommended that the functions of the AER be rolled into the new access and pricing regulator; and, second, this year the COAG Energy Council is reviewing the governance of the national electricity market, including the government's arrangements of energy market bodies such as the AER. The government will consider these reviews and respond in due course.

I welcome Senator Lazarus's concern about high electricity prices and I look forward to him supporting the government opposing higher RETs and carbon taxes, which will increase electricity prices in this country.

Question agreed to.