Anthony Albanese to meet with premiers to deal with power prices

The Albanese government faces one if its biggest tests this week, with a flashpoint coming on Wednesday as national cabinet meets to deal with soaring power prices.

The fledgling Albanese government faces one of its biggest tests this week, with a flashpoint coming on Wednesday with a significant national cabinet meeting to deal with soaring power prices.

One of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s most promoted points of differentiation at the election was that he was not his predecessor Scott Morrison.

Indeed, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten on Sunday declared that Mr Albanese was “less antagonistic” and “less of a bulldozer” than his predecessor, when it came to dealing with the state premiers.

Just how true this is will be put to the test this month.

Mr Albanese had some easy wins with national cabinet earlier this year, clearing up some Covid payment issues with little fuss.

But now he faces a much more difficult task, one which has brought down prime ministers before him – energy policy.

Anthony Albanese with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on the Sunshine Coast earlier this year. Picture: Patrick Woods.

It has been confirmed that the Albanese government has proposed a coal price cap as part of a range of measures to be used to bring down sky-high wholesale electricity prices – driven in part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This proposal may be supported by Victoria, which has little skin in the game, and by NSW on the proviso that it is the commonwealth that implements the cap.

It is a different matter entirely in states such as Queensland and South Australia, for whom resources play a major role in filling the state’s coffers.

Unlike the other states, Queensland still owns its power generators – which in turn own coalmines to supply them.

It has a lot to lose in the event of a coal price cap – and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has made it clear that there is “no way” the state will accept any sacrifice to the returns it receives.

Mr Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers face a difficult task in reaching an agreement between the premiers on this issue, with Queensland set to be the prickliest of the bunch.

The Albanese government has passed 61 Bills in its first six months of government, more than any government since 2013 in a similar timeframe.

Despite this, there has been little in the way of contentious legislation – with the clear exception of the industrial relations reforms passed last week.

The Albanese government secured this controversial Bill in lightning speed and making few concessions along the way.

But dealing with inexperienced crossbench senators is one thing, premiers another.

It is a common adage on both sides of politics in Canberra that you never want to get between a premier and a pot of money for their state.

But that’s exactly what the PM will be doing when he meets Ms Palaszczuk on Wednesday.

SOCCEROOS DO US PROUD

There was a moment in the Socceroos’ brave Round of 16 defeat to Argentina early yesterday when it looked like our team was about to be humiliated.

Down 1-0 thanks to a brilliant goal from the legendary Lionel Messi in the first half, Aussie captain Mat Ryan made a shocking mistake early in the second to gift the Argentinians another goal.

Attempting to play out from defence, he was caught in possession and paid the price.

It exposed the huge gulf in class between the teams and many observers feared the Socceroos’ heads would drop, allowing the two-time world champions to comfortably run out the game.

Coach Graham Arnold has for a long time talked about the Aussie fighting spirit of his team and for the last 30 minutes it was on full display.

Throwing caution to the wind, Arnold threw on a host of attacking players, including Garang Kuol, at 18 the youngest player in a World Cup knockout game since Pele in 1958.

And attack they did, first forcing an own goal and then going desperately close to the equaliser that would have meant extra time and a real chance at glory.

Aussie fans who have enjoyed the rollercoaster ride at this tournament have been left with a real feeling of satisfaction, and Graham Arnold and every one of his charges should hold their heads high.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at www.couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us