Senator David Leyonhjelm on Australia’s Energy Future

Senator David Leyonhjelm is one of the 8 cross-benchers capable of turning Australia’s disastrous energy policy around during the life of this Parliament. He’s already come out swinging with a superbly crafted attack on the debacle that is the mandatory Renewable Energy Target which featured in The Australian a little while back (see our post here).

In this video David outlines his views on where Australia’s energy policy needs to go (transcript follows):

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Energy is the basis for everything we do today: from the moment we get up, to the moment we go to bed, and even while we’re sleeping, our life revolves around energy.

A reliable, affordable energy supply is what makes it possible to enjoy our modern, technology based lifestyle.

Therefore, energy production and energy prices affect our lives in significant ways.

Electricity prices have risen dramatically in the last few years, putting pressure on household budgets and adding to the cost of doing business in Australia.

Much of that price increase is because of government policies and regulations; things like subsidies for solar and wind power, renewable energy targets and restrictions on expansion of the use of coal.

According to the ABS, electricity prices have increased by more than 70% in the last six years; and everyone is feeling the pinch.

Higher energy prices mean it’s harder to make ends meet, your power bills keep going up, the products you buy are more expensive, and energy intensive businesses move offshore, making it harder to find a job.

It shouldn’t be that way.

The Liberal Democrats believe low-cost energy is essential to Australia’s future; and that all sources of energy should compete without the government manipulating prices; or banning certain technologies.

Energy production technology is always changing and improving; and competition between different energy sources is the best way to make sure they become more efficient, more reliable, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Take nuclear power for example France derives more than 70% of its energy from nuclear power: Australia gets none.

Modern reactor designs are extremely safe and robust.

And modern technology allows us to safely deal with nuclear waste.

On top of that, Australia is home to half the world’s known uranium reserves.

Yet, the government has decided that nobody is allowed to build nuclear reactors in Australia. No matter how competitive it might be.

The same goes for hydropower.

There is plenty of potential for more, but every time someone talks about building a dam to generate hydroelectricity, there’s an outcry and the government stops it.

And yet, if you want to build a wind or solar power station or put solar panels on your roof, you’ll get a subsidy from the government.

We believe investors and the open market should decide whether or not nuclear power is right for Australia, not bureaucrats and politicians.

And that goes for all energy sources, including coal, solar and wind. It’s not for the government to pick winners.

The Liberal Democrats believe the government should only apply the most essential regulations to the energy industry; treating all types the same and allow the private sector to compete to provide the most reliable electricity, at the lowest prices.

This would keep energy prices as low as they can be, saving Australians money with every electricity bill.

It would keep the cost of doing business low and allow energy intensive businesses the opportunity to succeed in Australia; meaning more opportunity and more jobs.

My name is David Leyonhjelm, Senator for the Liberal Democratic Party.

We support your right to live without government interference, as long as you respect the same right for others.
Senator David Leyonhjelm

As the race quickens to kill off the mandatory LRET, expect to hear more from David.

STT hears that Tony Abbott is keener than ever to put an end to the most expensive and pointless policy ever devised. All he needs is a little support from 6 of the 8 cross-bench Senators. David has set the pace; now its up to the others to catch up. No pressure, cross-bench Senators: it’s just Australia’s entire economic future hanging in the balance.