Government to Challenge itself in Public Power Commitment

The Queensland government has committed to establishing a public electricity retailer to decrease petrol prices if re-elected in October. This promise comes just two months after the announcement of plans to open government-owned fuel stations across the state.

This move would create competition within the state between the proposed retailer and Ergon, a government-owned corporation. Labor assures that the new company would operate solely as a retailer, utilizing existing state-owned infrastructure without the need to generate profits for shareholders.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles stated that this initiative would enhance competition in the industry and potentially lead to a 6 percent reduction in power bills with flexible tariff options.

“If my Labor team and I are elected this month, we will establish a new publicly-owned power retailer to offer greater choice and cheaper prices for households across the state,” Miles affirmed.

“This is just one part of my Cheaper Energy Plan for Queensland.

“Thanks to our substantial investments in renewables, Queensland’s wholesale power prices are already lower compared to other states.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli from the Liberal National Party (LNP) criticized the plan as a “desperate thought bubble.”

“The solution lies in state-owned generators operating at capacity, not in more state-owned retailers consuming your money,” he stated.

“What Queenslanders truly want is energy security, an assurance on asset maintenance, and not distractions from years of improper planning that have caused increased electricity costs.”

In August, Miles revealed proposals to set up 12 state-run fuel stations in regions with limited competition to drive down fuel prices. These fuel stations would operate on a cost-recovery basis, covering operational expenses rather than aiming for profits, and would include fast chargers for electric vehicles.

The reforms would prevent fuel stations from increasing prices more than once a day and mandate the release of prices a day in advance.

War of the Regions

The election campaign officially commenced on October 1, with the premier’s visit to Townsville and the Opposition leader’s visit to Bundaberg.

The premier pledged $3 million to early intervention programs to address youth crime in the northern regions of the state, a matter that could impact Labor’s electoral performance.

Labor appears to acknowledge this risk, with Miles stating, “Our community safety plan invests in proven programs that have shown results, many of which were trialed here in Townsville.”

“In the past nine months, we’ve seen an 18 percent decrease in serious repeat offenders across the state.”

Crisafulli focused on building trust among voters and committed $40 million to assist small businesses in enhancing their security measures.