See here for our Election 2022 Economic stimulus, energy, and infrastructure plans
Policy objectives:
To ensure governments enable a transition to a sustainable, diverse and decentralised energy economy based on renewable sources, employment growth, reduced prices, increased public-owned assets and responsive to consumer needs.
The economy is completely underwritten by the energy market in Australia. The challenge remains to provide adequate supply cheaply for today’s consumers while ensuring that the impact of the generation and consumption of that energy is not unfairly borne by future generations.
The energy market in Australia is complex and encompasses all forms from liquid, gas and solid fuel systems to renewables like solar, hydro, wind and geothermal systems. The consumption of energy is also wide-ranging in utilisation of electricity for stationary applications to fuels for transport and industry.
The Australian Democrats will support policies and legislation that:
- ensures energy initiatives prioritise consideration of climate change mitigation through emissions reductions
- develops a well-resourced, whole of government approach to the transition to a sustainable energy economy
- guarantees there is affordable and reliable electricity supply all for Australia’s people and industries
- uses progressive strategies that lead to national energy self-reliance
- actively reduces fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions from all sources and across all sectors
- removes market barriers to develop a strong commercially viable and Australian owned renewable energy industry
- includes the transfer of appropriate technology and other forms of aid to developing countries to enable them to develop sustainable energy economies
- purposefully protects the energy sector from undue influence and distortion from vested interests and partisan politics
- proposes innovative and fair use of fiscal instruments to reduce consumption and encourage the transition to a sustainable energy economy
- increases support for innovation, research and development within the private, public and university sectors
- supports incorporating principles of eco-design and energy efficiency for future infrastructure developments including transportation, construction and industry
- extends the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target
- establishes a Domestic Resource Reserve policy to guarantee domestic supply
- retains the Clean Energy Finance Corporation
These policies were ratified by the members between the 15th – 28th of April, 2019. Australian Democrats policies are always subject to review – our policy volunteers consult with stakeholders outside the party, and members are strongly encouraged to participate by giving feedback at all stages of the policy process. If you have feedback or questions about our policies, contact us.