Energy Minister ‘no plan Stan’ for future of energy & coal communities
Following another non-answer from Energy & Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg in Question Time today, Greens Climate Change & Energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said Energy & Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg remains a ‘no plan Stan’ for the future of energy beyond coal and the workers and communities whose livelihoods are dependent on existing coal-fired power stations.
“Australia’s biggest power station and polluter AGL has called for a clear national plan for the orderly retirement of coal-fired power stations, yet the Energy & Environment Minister remains a ‘no plan Stan’," said Mr Bandt.
"The government has no plan for the future of Australia’s energy supply or the workers and communities whose livelihoods are currently dependent on coal-fired power stations."
"For this government, 'plan' is just another four letter word."
“For the first time ever, the companies running coal-fired power stations are joining with affected communities, unions and environment groups in calling for a government-led orderly and just transition to a clean economy.”
“Governments around the world are planning for the transition to a clean economy. But at home Minister Frydenberg and the Coalition government are happy to take their hands off the steering wheel and leave the future of thousands of workers and communities across Australia to the chaos of the market.”
View Mr Bandt’s question and the Minister’s response here.
Mr Bandt’s question in full:
"In a Senate committee report tabled yesterday, AGL which runs coal-fired generators like Loy Yang in Victoria and Bayswater in NSW called for a clear national plan for the orderly retirement of coal-fired generators. For the first time ever, the companies running coal-fired power stations are joining with affected communities, unions and environment groups in calling for a government-led orderly and just transition to a clean economy. Minister, will you do what the Senate committee report recommended and take a plan to the December meeting of the COAG Energy Council, or for this Government’s plan still just another four-letter word?"
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054
TW: @AdamBandt FB: facebook.com/Adam.Bandt.MP