Monash Forum to review cheap energy options

Coalition MPs have rebooted the Monash Forum to adopt an “agnostic” position on all cheap energy options.

Liber MP Kevin Andrews will lead the Monash Forum as it reviews options for cheaper energy. Picture: AAP

Coalition MPs have rebooted the Monash Forum — set-up last year in the lead-up to the demise of Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership — re-positioning the parliamentary group to adopt an “agnostic” position on all cheap energy options, including nuclear.

A group of government MPs led by Kevin Andrews met in parliament yesterday and committed to regular meetings and attracting expert speakers to consult forum members and Coalition colleagues.

The forum, initially formed to review Mr Turnbull’s national ­energy guarantee policy, had been linked with its support for new coal-fired power stations, which put it at odds with some Coalition MPs.

On the back of Scott Morrison’s pre-election commitment to consider all forms of energy ­production, Mr Andrews said the forum was “agnostic on energy technology”, and had added a new subtitle to its name: “securing ­affordable and reliable energy for Australia’s future”.

Mr Andrews said whether that was coal, gas, renewables or other means, the reality was there would likely need to be a mix to deliver cheaper energy prices.

“When I first came here (parliament), there was a whole series of these types of groups. You already have parliamentary friendship groups, and I think they can be useful,” Mr Andrews said.

“We’re going to continue the forum and look at getting speakers in to discuss the various options and invite all Coalition members and anyone who wants to join in will be welcome.”

A group of government MPs, including Mr Andrews, Eric Abetz, Craig Kelly and Tony Pasin, ­attended yesterday’s meeting.

Mr Kelly, a vocal supporter of coal-fired power stations, said the group was successful in the previous parliament in raising key ­issues on energy policy, and would consult closely with Energy Minister Angus Taylor. “The point was made at the meeting, that the emphasis of the forum is not just ­focused on coal. It’s about getting low-cost, competitive energy for the Australian people and industry, to ensure businesses can access low-cost energy to grow jobs and drive the economy,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly said they would work with Mr Taylor, and that it was ­important to look at all energy ­options, including nuclear.

“There has been a lot of disinformation about nuclear energy for many years. It’s important to open up the debate and involve the Australian public,” he said.

Mr Morrison announced in March that the government’s ­Underwriting New Generation Investments program had considered 66 proposals and short-listed 12 projects, six renewable-pumped hydro projects, five gas projects and one coal-upgrade project.

Queensland LNP MP Keith Pitt said there had been dozens of groups like the Monash Forum, and it was not “something that is unusual”.

“It’s not to form a ginger group or create problems in the parliament, it’s just simply people with common views. It’s critical for the nation’s prosperity that we have a high-wage economy,” Mr Pitt said.

“But if we want to be competitive then we need to have low-cost energy. It’s what gives our manufacturing base opportunities into the world market.”

A “respectful, adult ­debate” was required on nuclear energy.

Labor has also formed a “Friends of Resources” group to reconnect with its base following its disastrous election result.