Victoria’s energy, climate tsar John Bradley quits as green transition pressure takes toll

John Bradley has stepped down as pressure grows on the state government to execute a sweeping energy transition plan to meet green goals.

Victorian energy and climate department secretary John Bradley, left, has advised Premier Jacinta Allan he is quitting his role.

Victoria’s top energy and climate official, John Bradley, has abruptly quit as pressure grows on the state government to execute a sweeping energy transition plan to meet green goals and cut emissions.

An internal note sent by Mr Bradley said he had advised Premier Jacinta Allan and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action of his resignation as secretary.

“I’ve offered to remain in my role until the end of September, but will work with the Premier and secretary of DPC to confirm the transition arrangements,” Mr Bradley said in a note obtained by The Australian.

“Our DEECA staff tend to be on the ‘frontline’ of big challenges. I know your work may often feel rewarding but it will not often feel ‘easy’.”

The Allan government is juggling one of the most complex energy transitions in Australia with tough renewable and emissions reduction goals to meet by 2030 while also dealing with the retirement of major coal power stations including Yallourn.

The government this week was forced into an embarrassing backflip on gas policy after initially pledging for an overarching household electrification scheme that has been wound back following criticism.

Mr Bradley’s exit had arrived at a time of policy chaos for the government, according to shadow energy minister David Davis.

“Whilst Mr Bradley is too professional to reflect upon the Allan Labor government, the Minister for Energy, and the deteriorating energy position in Victoria, there is little doubt that the disastrous policies driven by Lily D’Ambrosio have left Victoria vulnerable, indeed seriously exposed, with Labor now in its 11th year,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Bradley, in the top energy role since September 2017, said he would work with the board on ensuring a smooth transition.

“I know this change comes at a busy time when our DEECA team members are working hard on delivery priorities, our big work program for 2025-26 and the drought response,” he said. “I look forward to the chance to see you before I finish up.”

With gas shortages forecast to hit the state later this decade, Ms D’Ambrosio is also pushing for underwriting LNG imports, attracting the ire of ministers in Queensland and South Australia.

The Energy Minister said Mr Bradley had been integral to delivering significant policy outcomes for the Victorian government, including overseeing the transition of Victoria’s energy sector and taking nation-leading climate action.

“He has worked tirelessly to lead his team through some of the most devastating natural disasters in the state’s history, as well as supporting Victorian farmers with recent biosecurity challenges and through the current drought conditions,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

Victoria aims to reach a 40 per cent renewable electricity target this year and then turbocharge the rollout of solar, wind and batteries over the next decade to hit goals of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035, when AGL Energy’s Loy Yang A coal plant is due to shut.

Mr Bradley was previously chief executive of Energy Networks Australia representing gas distribution and electricity transmission and distribution businesses, and also worked in a range of Queensland government roles.

Victoria is undergoing a raft of changes across its energy sector including the revival of the State Electricity Commission, which aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects and even allow them to increase in size.

The state government has also laid out a draft blueprint through to 2040 that targets seven giant renewable energy zones and a string of new transmission lines, with several deemed “urgent”, to prepare for major coal-fired power stations closing later this decade.

The Victorian government-led push for the commonwealth to underwrite importing LNG into Australia also faces a challenge from states including SA over concerns about energy users being slugged with extra costs, as the battle to head off a gas supply shortage heats up.

Victoria approved Viva Energy’s proposed LNG import terminal in Geelong in May, marking a significant pivot from the state’s traditionally hardline stance on gas.

Originally published as Victoria’s energy, climate tsar John Bradley quits as green transition pressure takes toll