Shadow Minister Peter Dutton comes to Bundaberg

Federal Opposition Leader Minister Peter Dutton has come out firing against Government energy policy ahead of a regional meeting of the shadow cabinet, saying renewables isn’t an answer for the state.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has gone on the attack ahead of a regional meeting of the shadow cabinet, saying the Labor Government’s energy agenda is hurting Bundaberg’s farmers and residents.

Mr Dutton, in the region ahead of a shadow cabinet meeting at Rockhampton, took the opportunity to raise his concerns about the federal Government’s policy during a press conference at Bundaberg.

With claims energy prices will rise by thirty-five per cent due a shift away from fossil fuels such as coal, Mr Dutton said this would only further hurt families already struggling to pay their bills.

“Energy is the biggest issue of our time,” he said.

Mr Dutton said election promises of reduced electricity costs by up to $275 made by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had gone missing in action.

“The Prime Minister has never made mention of that figure again,” he said.

“That was a solid promise he gave to reduce electricity prices and he has now walked away from it.”

Mr Dutton expressed concerns for the closures of coal mines across the state as gas supply and renewable energy has undergone disruptions.

“Labour is putting us on the path to not only have huge increases in electricity bills and gas bills, but to make it unreliable as well,” he said.

Shadow Minister Peter Dutton speaks to local growers on issues facing the region.

Water issues arising from the handling of Paradise Dam continues to impact farmers came under scrutiny too, with “uncertainty” around the supply.

Mr Dutton said farmers are getting nervous faced with struggles finding workers due to travel restrictions imposed by Covid-19 and rising costs in fertiliser and other input costs.

“They want to make a capital investment, they want to improve their production,” he said.

The controversial stage three tax cuts and whether they would be kept was raised amid concerns a recession was on the horizon for the Australian economy.

“That would be a disaster for Australian families,” said Mr Dutton.

Mr Dutton has called for a clear and certain future to be made for the tax cuts, and said it was these very cuts that would give workers their own money back.

“It also provides an opportunity for inspirational people who are working hard with their own business,” he said.