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

As we have identified in the chamber already, the AEMO report released last week advised there is a very real likelihood of load shedding and shortfalls, particularly in Victoria and South Australia in the short term, in relation to electricity supply, as well as from 2022 when the Liddell station is scheduled to close. The member for Port Adelaide, the opposition's energy spokesman, said that he didn't accept the premise of that report and that he didn't think it was a problem for today, and the Leader of the Opposition dismissed it all as a distraction and the wrong priority.

We don't believe that keeping the lights on is the wrong priority. We believe it is essential for business certainty. We believe it is essential for households in dealing with their energy security needs as well. AEMO clearly states, on page 19, about finding a solution to Liddell, that time is of the essence. That's why the Prime Minister and the energy minister met with AGL yesterday, why we secured their commitment to come back within 90 days to demonstrate what they will do and for the government to consider what we may need to do in that instance. (Time expired)