Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The point is well made about what we don't know, so we'll just move on from that and hope that things aren't as bad as we predict they will be. In a moment, I'll come to some of the comments of some of the groups out there that are expressing fear about this. I'm interested in this issue of modelling around analysis for demand for ACCUs. While we're thinking about that, I'd also be interested in how the carbon price being set here in this legislation compares to the carbon price that Australia's trading partners have as well as the carbon price in other developed nations.

On that, I think it's important to put on record some of the comments that have been made by entities like the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association's chief executive, Steve Davies, who said:

… there are questions over whether the flow-on effects of any additional restrictions on gas supply will be borne by Australian households and businesses who are already facing major increases to energy bills due to the transition.

The CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar, said:

The fundamental test for the safeguard mechanism is whether it supplies secure and affordable energy for households and business.

He also pointed to the fact that, as he said:

AEMO already expects a shortfall which will worsen if new gas production doesn't progress.

…   …   …

The fact of the matter is that gas will be essential to our energy system in the years ahead. But there is a risk that energy supply will be choked off before alternative sources are available, threatening reliability and driving up electricity prices.

I've got a range more that I'm sure I'll be able to put on record before we conclude debate on this bill, but these are the reasons we're asking these questions, seeking certainty. It's not for no reason or for spurious political games. It is because there are entities, individuals, businesses, households and communities who all have concerns about what this could mean.

I asked two questions just before, which were about analysis for demand of ACCUs and how our proposed price compares to the price of Australia's trading partners and other developed nations.