Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question on an issue of importance to Australian households and businesses and the Australian economy. It stands in stark contrast to every single question we have had from those opposite today, who are just interested in playing political games. Well, they can play their political games, but the Turnbull government will get on with ensuring that electricity prices are brought down as far as possible for Australian households and businesses. We know that electricity prices have a real impact on cost-of-living pressures for Australian households. We know they have a real impact on the competitiveness of Australian businesses. That's why we're taking action that will drive down prices and improve affordability for millions of Australian households.

The result of the work done by the Prime Minister and Mr Frydenberg with energy retailers over recent weeks will see more than two million Australian households clearly advised of the way in which they can access cheaper electricity in the future. This will mean cheaper bills for households, which will improve their cost-of-living circumstances. These reforms will not just be the initial steps of the retailers committing through two different ways of communication with their customers to offer those cheaper rates and prices and ensure people understand. They will also ensure that market rules, ACCC rules and ongoing communications with consumers will empower them to make decisions that guarantee that their prices will be lower in the future.

These are issues that are of genuine importance to the Australian people. These are issues that matter in terms of their cost-of-living pressures, their household budgets and the viability of their businesses. Those opposite may not care. They might want to run political games in here. But nothing will distract the Turnbull government from its focus on helping people to get ahead and mange their cost of living.