Miranda Live: Frydenberg slaps down rebel ‘Monash Forum’ MPs

COAL power is going nowhere in Australia, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has declared — slapping down a group of Coalition MPs agitating for more coal-fired power — but the country does need to diversify if it’s to keep providing reliable energy, he’s warned.

COAL power is going nowhere in Australia, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has declared — slapping down a group of Coalition MPs agitating for more coal-fired power — but the country does need to diversify if it’s to keep providing reliable energy, he’s warned.

“Coal will be an important part of our energy mix — today and into the future — and it will still provide half our energy needs in 2020,” Mr Frydenberg told Miranda Devine on her online radio show Miranda Live.

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The comments come after the so-called Monash Forum — named for the Australian WW1 general Sir John Monash — called for the construction of a new $4 billion coal-fired power station. Liberal MP Craig Kelly is part of the lobby group, which includes a collection of Coalition backbenchers.

Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg.

“If the government can intervene to build Snowy 2.0, why not intervene to build Hazelwood 2.0 on the site of the coal-fired power station in Victoria that’s now being dismantled?” the group asked in an open letter.

The backbench revolt comes at a bad time for the Turnbull government, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull facing a crucial Newspoll next week.

Coal ... here to stay, says the Energy Minister.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

But Mr Frydenberg said the government’s National Energy Guarantee included a place for coal.

“You won’t hear me demonise coal, but the energy system is transforming rapidly and unless we capitalise on these new innovations and technology we won’t be able to ensure a more reliable system,” he told Miranda Live.

“We are seeing a number of those coal asserts reach the end of their natural lines ... we need to empower the market.”

The Liddell Power Station in Muswellbrook. The Monash Forum wants an increased focus on coal power.

The National Energy Guarantee, which puts an emphasis on delivering power via coal, gas, pumped hydro and other technologies, was endorsed by the entire Coalition party room.

“They (the Monash Forum) want to see Australia have a more affordable and reliable energy system and when they talk about the importance of coal — I agree,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“My colleagues all have a right to speak their opinions, the reality is we are seeing a rapidly changing energy market and that creates real challenges for the operator.”

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