State-Run Renewable Energy Firm to Be Incorporated into Victoria’s Constitution
Victorian Shadow Minister for Climate Change James Newbury highlighted the broken promises and wastage of funds since the election.
Victoria’s state lower house of Parliament has approved the protection of government-owned power within the state constitution.
This move aims to safeguard the State Electricity Commission (SEC) from potential privatization by future political entities.
Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio emphasized during the parliamentary discussions that this decision enshrines a 100 percent renewable SEC in the constitution.
After passing through the upper house in September, the legislation returned to the Legislative Assembly on Oct. 15 and gained approval with 54 votes in favor and 25 against.
Minister D’Ambrosio pointed out that the sale of Victoria’s energy systems should never have occurred and that the state must retain control over its energy portfolio.
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The plan includes replacing coal with 4.5 gigawatts of new renewables, benefiting all Victorians with publicly-owned projects.
D’Ambrosio asserted that the bill would prevent the SEC from engaging with fossil fuel facilities.
“The SEC will remain entirely renewable,” she confirmed.
Energy Needs Addressed
Despite this, Liberal Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change James Newbury criticized the bill for not meeting Victorians’ demands for reliable, affordable, and secure energy.
“What we see is ideology, not practical solutions. The delays and broken promises are evident,” he expressed in Parliament.
Newbury highlighted the lack of progress within the SEC since the previous election, emphasizing the government’s inefficiencies.
Transitioning Energy Sources
The SEC, established in 1918 to manage electricity generation, underwent privatization in the 1990s under the Kennett Liberal government.
On Oct. 15, Victorian Labor MP Dylan Wight emphasized that the state-owned SEC would accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
“Victoria’s renewable energy targets are among the most ambitious globally, and the SEC will play a crucial role in achieving them,” he stated.
“The SEC will propel us toward a renewable energy future in Victoria.”
Challenges with Clean Energy
However, National MP Martin Cameron raised concerns about the lack of renewable energy implementation in his region.
He noted the challenges and costs associated with building infrastructure to support green energy, emphasizing the need to balance development with environmental concerns.
Cameron highlighted the reliance on regional renewable energy sources due to the aesthetic objections to wind turbines in urban areas.
“We must find a balance between sustainable energy development and preserving our landscapes,” he concluded.
