By Peter Ker
The Australian energy industry has welcomed the Turnbull government's decision to give one minister control of both the environment and energy portfolios, with Josh Frydenberg given the challenging gig on Monday.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association chief, Dr Malcolm Roberts, said combining the two portfolios was the "holy grail" of policy development.
"The holy grail of policy is integrated environment and energy policies, which can deliver lower emissions and affordable energy security," he said.
"Environmental policy is often energy policy and vice-a-versa."
Holder of the 'holy grail': Josh Frydenberg.
The comments were echoed by the Clean Energy Council, the Wind Alliance and Cheryl Cartwright from the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association.
"Energy belongs with the environment portfolio. The positive story about natural gas often gets lost in the resources debate, whereas in environment discussions it is absolutely clear that gas will be part of our future for many decades to come. Australia will be part of the international move towards increasing renewable energy, but this cannot be achieved without a reliable source of energy for peak periods and to meet the energy demand that can't be met by renewable energy," Ms Cartwright said.
Queensland Senator Matt Canavan has relieved Mr Frydenberg of the Resources portfolio, which adds to the Northern Australia portfolio he inherited from the member for Kooyong in February.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said Mr Canavan had already proven his support for the mining industry in his native state.
Senator Matt Canavan is the Turnbull government's new Resources MinisterCredit: Alex Ellinghausen
"The resources sector requires steady safe hands to ride through the commodities downturn and in the face of a relentless green activist campaign," Mr Roche said.
"Senator Canavan has already proven to be a champion for the sector in Queensland, in his role as Minister for Northern Australia, and I am confident he will be a strong voice for resources around the cabinet table."
The Australian Mines and Metals Association challenged the new cabinet to take action on industrial relations.
"Resource employers want to see the government deliver its election commitments to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission [ABCC] and return to sensible and balanced laws for union entry into workplaces," AMMA boss Steve Knott said.
"The industry is also eagerly awaiting a response to the Productivity Commission's December 2015 recommendations to fix pressing problems with Australia's workplace relations framework."
Meanwhile the Insurance Council of Australia said it was pleased that Kelly O'Dwyer had been appointed Minister for Revenue and Financial Services as it would allow her to continue covering similar ground as she did in her Assistant Treasurer portfolio.
"The Insurance Council of Australia has worked closely and cooperatively with Minister O'Dwyer and her staff since her initial appointment last September, and I am pleased to see continuity of ministerial responsibility in the financial services portfolio. It is important to ensure progress can be made on key policy issues, including tax reform and insurance affordability," Insurance Council chief Rob Whelan said.
"The industry believes the government should retain its focus on reducing the regulatory burden on business, avoid unnecessary intervention in properly functioning markets and renew the tax reform process to help state governments abolish their punitive, inefficient taxes on insurance products."