Pro-coal backbencher Tony Abbott has launched a final attack on the National Energy Guarantee ahead of today’s critical coalition NEG party room vote.
The “seriously bad policy” will surrender control to the “green bureaucrats of Paris”, the former Prime Minister told 2GB. He insists the NEG should follow voluntary rather than mandatory emission targets.
His comments muddy the waters as Coalition MPs prepare to debate the NEG via teleconference later today.
Coalition NEG party room support vital
State and territory ministers gave the NEG tentative approval when they met last Friday.
However, further progress depends on Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg winning full agreement from his own party in today’s vote.
State support will evaporate if MPs like Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce cross the floor. Their pro-coal lobby wants the focus shifted from renewables like solar installations to coal fired generation.
Lobbying ramps up to keep Coalition party room in line
According to the Guardian, Frydenberg has made a last-ditch attempt to get ministers on board with the NEG policy.
Last night he secured the support of a majority of voting members on the government’s backbench energy committee.
Despite dissenting voices, a majority agreed to progress the policy to a party room vote. However, Tony Abbott, Craig Kelly and Ken O’Dowd expressed concerns.
Fossil fuel generation is essential for cheap, reliable power, they insist. The group says compulsory acquisition is needed to keep the ageing Liddell coal-fired power station open.
Even if the Coalition wins necessary support, they then have to face the federal Opposition. Labor are likely to push for a higher emissions reduction target than the current 26 per cent cut by 2030.
COAG Energy Council says NEG-otiations could take months
States and territories have agreed to move forward with the proposed NEG. However, because of state concerns about weak emission targets, the process could take months.
As reported by the Guardian, required state legislation will be sent to stakeholders if the Coalition party room agrees.
There is still a long way to go. Victoria, the ACT and Queensland expressed concern at Friday’s COAG Energy Council meeting.
According to Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, the NEG still doesn’t meet expectations. It needs to support lower bills, lower emissions and more jobs in wind and solar power, she says.
