Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Former minister Ian Macfarlane is a distinguished Australian who's made a great contribution to public life. On this the government's position is very clear: we want to implement the National Energy Guarantee, which will help deliver a reduction in electricity prices. We hope to improve the reliability and stability of our electricity system, which will help us reduce emissions in a way that is economically responsible. Electricity prices doubled under Labor. We've worked hard to push them down by ensuring retailers tell millions of households when their electricity plan has changed and work harder to get them the best deal. Families have saved hundreds of dollars as a result of the decisions that we have made. Origin, EnergyAustralia and AGL have announced they will cut or freeze power prices in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. It will be the first time since 2015 there will be no increase to their mid-year retail electricity prices. We have given the industry policy certainty with our plan for the National Energy Guarantee. Through the 2018-19 budget—