The Sky Didn't Fall in but the Bottom Fell Out

“We just got over the broken record of Prime Minister Albanese’s false claim that we would save $275 a year on electricity if we elected him. Families and businesses have gone to the wall, but the sky didn’t fall in yet even though there are fears of a global recession following Trump’s tariffs. It is getting worse though – the bottom has fallen out Labor’s energy and climate policy,” said Norman Miller, Independent Candidate for Leichhardt.

Amazing after writing this article/press release, this cartoon by Spooner turned up in The Australian

 “Albanese has rejected the ALP-commissioned Repu Tex modelling which underpinned Labor’s promise last election to cut power bills by $378 by 2030 and to set its 43 per cent emissions reduction target.

“The government had used this modelling to validate Labor’s claims that moving to 82% renewable electricity by 2030 would deliver a $275 per household per year cut to power prices.

“So of course we would expect Albo to drop the policies that were based on this flawed modelling. But no, though the bottom has fallen out and he has a baseless plan, he’s sticking to it.

“This does not make sense. Only Australia, Canada and Europe are trying to transition to net zero. Most nations simply give it lip service.

“This forced and rapid transition to renewables without making sure we have affordable and reliable energy from other sources is ruining our economy.

“Before the 2022 election, Albo had called the Repu Tex modelling, “the most comprehensive modelling ever done for any policy by any opposition in Australia’s history since federation.” Now he is disowning it.

“However, Climate change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is sticking to the Repu Tex modelling that Powering Australia is based on including achieving 82% of renewables in the grid by 2030. The Powering Australia modelling also made unsubstantiated claims around emissions reduction, new job creation and investment without providing the underpinning analysis for its predictions. How embarrassing!

“So, Labor has a new plan to reduce power bills for all Australians - subsidise home batteries by $4,000 a household for those who already have solar power. This is the opposite of the Robin Hood strategy of taking from the rich and giving to the poor. It will only benefit the wealthy as it will cost a family about $10,000 to purchase and many families can’t afford this.

“As an independent, I will not be tied to party policy, and I can vote on issues on their merit and be a voice for the voiceless.”