Peak industry bodies from the like of The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) and Energy Networks Australia have congratulated Australia’s new Minister for Energy, the Hon Angus Taylor, but warned there are difficult times ahead.
APPEA’s Chief Executive, Dr Malcolm Roberts, said the association looks forward to working with Mr Taylor, stating that he has been given ‘a huge policy challenge’.
“Mr Taylor’s extensive commercial understanding will be critical in finding solutions to the competing arms of containing prices, maintaining reliable supply and attracting new investment to the energy sector. Australia’s oil and gas industry welcomes the opportunity to work with the Minister,” he said.
Energy Networks Australia (ENA), the peak national body that represents gas distribution and electricity transmission businesses throughout Australia, have also voiced their warmest welcome for the new Minister. On behalf of the body, ENA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Dillion made an announcement this morning stating that he also looks forward to working with Minister Taylor on helping move the energy policy forward, but warned that the nation’s energy portfolio ‘is a challenging one’.
“Never has there been a time when there’s been such a focus on the sector, with Australia’s complex energy system transforming rapidly,” Mr Dillion said, “networks will continue to play a part in tackling energy affordability. Over the last three years, network charges for an average Australian household have fallen by $83.”
“Enduring policies that can deliver affordable and reliable energy as we transition to a low emissions future continue to be the priority for energy networks,” he said.
“I look forward to briefing Minister Taylor on how a more connected future can increase competition and how we are working with the Australian Energy Market Operator to create Open Energy Networks that can harness the growing level of distributed generation to put downward pressure on prices.”
The APPEA has also welcomed the reappointment of Senator Matt Canavan as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, indicating that Senator Canavan is well-known and respected as a strong advocate for developing Australia’s resources.
“As a Senator representing regional Queensland, the Minister knows first-hand the vital contribution the resources sector makes to regional communities,” Mr Roberts explained, and in doing so also thanked the former Minister for the Environment and Energy, the Hon Josh Frydenberg, for his strong leadership in the portfolio over the last two years.
“Mr Freydenberg brought determination, intellect and, dare it be said, energy to some of the most complex problems in public policy. APPEA and its members congratulate him on his promotion to Treasury.”
