Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:00 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. The chief executive of the Business Council of Australia said in relation to the Finkel review:
Australia hasn't a moment to lose now that we have a comprehensive, independent blueprint to restore the security, reliability and affordability of our electricity system.
Can the minister confirm that, despite support from business and the Prime Minister promising 'decisive action', the Prime Minister has still not been able to get his own party room to agree on any action?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
The answer to the first part of the question is, yes, I do agree with that statement. The answer to the second part of your question is that statement is wrong.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:01 pm
Energy Australia's head of energy, Mark Collette, said about Australia's energy market: 'Doing nothing means higher prices and less reliable energy for all customers.' Why can the Turnbull government not put the interests of energy customers ahead of its internal climate wars?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
I agree with Mr Collette, and putting the interests of energy customers ahead of other interests is precisely what we are doing.
Stephen Parry President
Senator O'Neill on a final supplementary question.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
Yesterday coalition MP George Christensen declared in relation to the Finkel review: 'I am out. I won't support that.' Is it not clear that the Turnbull government's policy paralysis will continue given that he is rapidly losing the support of the coalition party room?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
No, it is not because it isn't.