Dutton Issues Warning of Potential ‘Blackouts’ with Labor’s Energy Plan, Commits to $10 Million Investment in New Weather Radar Technology
Campaigning is ongoing for both sides of politics.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has reiterated his push to reduce power prices for Australians during campaigning in New South Wales (NSW), cautioning against another Labor government that could result in blackouts.
As part of his campaign, Dutton also announced a $10 million funding proposal to enhance weather forecast services in western Queensland amid ongoing flooding.
While campaigning in New South Wales, Dutton pointed out that the prime minister had promised a $275 decrease in power prices on 97 occasions during the 2022 election, but he claimed prices had actually increased by $1,300 instead.
“The prime minister keeps saying that he’ll provide $150 each quarter or every six months, but that won’t be sustained beyond the election,” Dutton told reporters on March 31.
Dutton highlighted that electricity prices had already risen by 32 percent and would continue to rise under Labor’s plan for renewables only, leading to blackouts.
“The renewables-only energy mix proposed by Labor is a recipe for higher prices, and Australians cannot afford another three years of the Albanese government,” Dutton stated.
Dutton Vows to Detail Coalition Power Savings
Dutton visited Cougar Mining in the electorate of Paterson, which is held by Labor’s Meryl Swanson with a margin of 2.6 percent.
The seat covers the NSW Hunter region and is considered a winnable seat by the Coalition, which must secure 22 seats to win the federal election on May 3.
The opposition plans to construct seven nuclear reactors if elected, including one in the Hunter Valley region.
While promising to lower power prices for all Australians, Dutton is working on providing a specific figure about the exact reduction in electricity prices if he wins the election.
During his budget reply speech, Dutton unveiled the Coalition’s plan to establish a domestic gas reserve for local users, aiming to introduce 50 to 100 petajoules of new gas into the energy system to bring down prices.
Dutton Commits $10 Million to New Weather Radar
After his visit to regional NSW, Dutton flew to Queensland to tour flood-affected areas and announced a $10 million commitment to improve the Queensland weather radar.
In a joint statement with the Nationals, Dutton said this initiative would enhance confidence in weather forecasts in Central Queensland.
Albanese Campaigns in Western Australia
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned in Western Australia on March 31, focusing on key seats such as Curtin, Tangney, Swan, Pearce, and Hasluck.
Albanese criticized the opposition for lacking a “2030 target” for renewable energy.
The prime minister reaffirmed Labor’s policy of using renewables supported by firming capacity of gas and hydro.
Labor has pledged to transition Australia’s energy grid to 82 percent renewables by 2030.
On the other hand, Labor’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen criticized Dutton’s nuclear plan, suggesting it would lead to increased coal usage and pollution.
