Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell backs the Nationals’ energy plan, prioritising cost over climate.
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The federal member for Nicholls has backed the National Party’s new energy and climate plan, which abandons the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, stating that climate change is not “an existential threat”.
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In a media statement released on November 2, Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell criticised Labor’s Net Zero policy as “reckless”, arguing it risked pushing industries and jobs offshore.
The new plan shifts the focus of Australia’s energy strategy from solely emissions targets to prioritising cost, protecting jobs and keeping energy affordable.
To achieve this, the Nationals propose an “all-technology approach”.
Mr Birrell clarified that “all-technology” primarily referred to coal, gas and eventually nuclear.
“I appreciate that many people will say we can’t use coal for ever, and that’s probably right ... so, we want to lift the moratorium on nuclear energy because that can provide baseload power and eventually take over from coal-fired power stations,” he said.
The Nationals’ plan is an “all-technology approach” to ensure energy remains affordable. Photo by AP Photo/Petr David Josek.
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Petr David Josek
Referencing research from a review by the Nationals-aligned Page Research Centre, led by Nationals senators Matt Canavan and Ross Cadell, Mr Birrell noted that international experience showed that electrical grids heavily reliant on renewables could become costly.
He said that these rising energy prices were already straining manufacturers and regional economies.
“We think all the evidence shows that it will significantly push up power prices.”
When asked how the party would ensure that energy companies passed on savings to consumers, Mr Birrell said it was a “natural outcome” of a “good energy market”.
In contrast, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen accused the Nationals of having “betrayed” regional Australia.
“We know regional Australia has the most to lose from the impacts of climate change … and regional Australia has the most to gain from taking action,” he said.
“Renewables are not only keeping the lights on as ageing coal plants retire, but they’re creating jobs and new revenue right across regional Australian communities.
“Farmers are earning a significant income stream from hosting renewable energy projects alongside existing farming activities.”
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says regional Australia stands to lose the most from climate change impacts. Photo by AAP Image/Mick Tsikas.
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MICK TSIKAS
The Nationals said their plan would set an “aspiration” to reduce emissions by 30 to 40 per cent by 2035.
However, Mr Birrell said the party would not specify any emissions targets.
Instead, the plan would be linked to the progress of comparable nations and what they “actually achieve” rather than what they commit to.
Addressing concerns from younger Australians about climate change, Mr Birrell acknowledged their worries but argued prosperity must remain central.
“I don’t think it (climate change) is an existential threat; I think it’s a problem to solve and to adapt to,” he said.
“While we want climate change to be a concern, I can’t in good conscience leave them with an economy that’s smashed and all the horrible things that will lead to, either.”
