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

Thank you, and, Mr President, I had already addressed and outlined measures in relation to retail action and measures in relation to generation, and I was directly dealing with legislation this chamber has passed, action that helps to drive down prices by minimising what is an estimated $6.5 billion that energy networks have gamed the system by, driving up prices for households and businesses. And Senator Xenophon took the side of the energy networks in the debate, rather than the side of households and consumers. That was a remarkable situation to see. Now he comes in here and argues and complains on behalf of business. Well, we cared about business, which is why we have abolished the merits review, and at least the Labor Party supported us in doing so. (Time expired)