Labor effectively adopts the Liberal election energy policy

The Shadow Minister for Energy Dr Steve Thomas says the Cook Labor Government has now adopted the basis of his 2025 Liberal energy election policy released nearly two years ago in May 2024.

“In a radio interview today the Minister for Energy Amber-Jade Sanderson was asked what guarantee she could give that the Government would meet the deadline of its promise to exit state owned coal generation by 2030” Dr Thomas said.

The Minister was asked this specific question:

“If you have a shortfall of energy, that you cannot supply our needs without keeping those two coal fired power stations on for another year or two, would you keep them on?”  

Dr Thomas said this Minister’s response was telling.

Amber-Jade Sanderson replied “We will do what we have to do to keep the lights on and maintain energy security…, and we’ve made that commitment. The reliability and security is the number one priority.”

Dr Thomas said that the WA Labor Party had now adopted his energy policy of May 2024 of allowing for an extension of coal generation until additional peak gas fired generation was in place to underpin the transition to a low emissions future.

“We committed to deliver a transition to cleaner energy future that will keep the lights on and air conditioners running, and we will do so at a cost that consumers can afford” Dr Thomas said.

“The key to that energy plan included the position statement:

“We will extend the lifespan of existing coal generators where necessary and where possible until renewable generation supported by gas generation backup and energy storage can meet the needs of the state.”

Dr Thomas the juxtaposition of the new Labor policy was remarkable.

“They say that imitation is sincerest form of flattery, so I can only thank the Minister for Energy Amber-Jade Sanderson for this high compliment.

“However, the Government remains five to ten years behind its own plan for renewable energy development, and by delaying the essential Whole of System Plan by years it will only fall further behind.

 “The energy transition is failing and action to fix it is now urgent.”