Greens fury as Labor won’t rule out more coal to deal with energy crisis

An incoming Queensland Greens MP has lashed out, after the Albanese government refused to rule out increasing coal-fired power output to deal with energy shortages.

THE energy and gas crisis has put the days-old Albanese Government under pressure after it did not rule out increasing coal-fired power output to deal with shortages, sparking a fiery response from the Greens fresh off record-breaking election wins.

There was large swing to the Greens in Brisbane which saw the party pick up three seats, with climate change a big issue in the areas.

New Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he was not ruling any options “in or out” as the government seeks to deal with a “very serious” gas shortfall driving up wholesale power prices.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A “perfect storm” of coal-fired power outages, flooded coal mines and the war in Ukraine impacting gas supply has caused prices to soar, leaving the east coast states at risk of a supply shortage in the coming days.

Last month more than 30 per cent of the coal power capacity in the National Electricity Market was estimated to be offline.

Origin Energy boss Frank Calabria has called for government and industry to work together to increase coal power in the short term.

Asked about the comments, Mr Bowen said the Federal Government’s ability to up output might be “limited” compared to the private sector or states.

“If there is advice to me about sensible and measure actions that can be taken, I will take them,” he said.

Mr Bowen confirmed he had spoken with Mr Calabria, and would convene an emergency meeting with all state and territory energy ministers early next week to discuss the crisis.

He is also in talks with heavy industry and regulators to work on options to ease the extreme pressure on the Australian market.

Incoming Greens Griffith MP Max Chandler-Mather said Labor should not be considering ramping up coal or opening up more gas to deal with the issues.

Incoming Greens Griffith MP Max Chandler-Mather. Picture: Josh Woning

“Fire chiefs and climate scientists are begging Labor to take urgent climate action – but instead, they’re doing the complete opposite by backing massive new gas projects,” Mr Chandler-Mather said.

“The Federal Government shouldn’t be opening up the Scarborough and Beetaloo gas fields, and increasing coal-fired power, while trying to sell themselves as taking action on the climate crisis. People are smart enough to see through the spin.

“Across the country, millions of people have backed the Greens and climate independents because they’re sick of the major parties’ addiction to coal and gas.”