Jess Wilson offers Victorians ‘hope’ amid new position

Key Concepts

• Net Zero Target: A commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a level that is balanced by removals from the atmosphere.
• Energy Affordability: The cost of energy for households and businesses.
• Liberal Party: A political party in Australia.
• Labor Party: A political party in Australia.
• Coalition: An alliance of political parties.
• COP Presidency: The role of presiding over the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, a major international climate change conference.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Authority): A government agency responsible for environmental protection.
• Bipartisan: Involving the cooperation of two or more political parties.

Summary

This transcript features an interview with James Patterson, the Shadow Finance Minister, discussing various policy issues and political strategies of the Liberal Party. The conversation touches upon leadership within the Liberal Party, the party's stance on net zero emissions, energy policy, tax cuts, and environmental law reform.

Leadership and Party Direction

Patterson acknowledges the recent election of female leaders within the Liberal Party in New South Wales (Kelly Sloan) and Victoria (Jess Wilson), describing their performances as "polished" and highlighting their unanimous election by their respective parliamentary colleagues. He contrasts this with the situation in Victoria, which he characterizes as having "the highest debt in the nation, the highest taxes in the nation, unemployment above the national average, growth below the national average, and frankly, just an absence of hope for the future." He suggests that Jess Wilson offers "hope that they can avoid 16 years of labor."

When questioned about the impact of potential negative news polls on leadership speculation, Patterson expresses reluctance to comment on unpublished polls, stating that "politicians are reluctant to comment on polls at the best of times." He emphasizes that regardless of poll results, the party recognizes "we've got more work to do to be competitive."

Stance on Net Zero and Energy Policy

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Liberal Party's position on the net zero emissions target. Patterson clarifies that while state governments are entitled to pursue their own energy and emissions policies, the federal government is ultimately accountable for meeting international commitments. He asserts that the Liberal Party "want to continue to reduce emissions as we did when we were last in office," but crucially, "we're not going to do so at the expense of affordable energy."

Patterson states that affordable energy is the Liberal Party's "number one priority" and that they are willing to direct the Australian Energy Market Operator to prioritize energy affordability over emissions reduction. He criticizes the Labor government's focus on the 2050 net zero target, arguing they have "no regard for energy affordability." He points to the "40% increase in electricity prices on this government watch. Almost a 40% increase in gas prices" as evidence of this failure. He also mentions energy subsidies and bailouts for heavy energy users as measures to mask the "real pain of electricity prices" and uncompetitiveness caused by Labor's policies.

Patterson defends the Liberal Party's decision to adopt a strong position on net zero and affordable energy, framing it as a "high contrast with Labor in an area of public policy which is demonstrably failing and hurting our country." He believes this position is "electorally viable" and that the party can "win this debate." He recounts a moment of shaking hands with Andrew Hastie after the net zero decision was made in the party room, explaining it as a demonstration of their shared view on the issue and the importance of the Liberal Party making a clear choice.

He contrasts his current stance with earlier comments made after the election, where he acknowledged the need to "genuinely and sincerely examine all of our policy positions." He clarifies that at that time, he was not expressing a view on net zero but rather on the process of internal examination. He reiterates that his current position is "electorally viable" because it balances international commitments with the priority of energy affordability, which he believes is of greater concern to the public than other energy industry objectives.

Tax Policy and Past Decisions

The interview touches upon a report suggesting Patterson urged Peter Dutton not to oppose Labor's tax cuts. Patterson declines to breach private confidences but confirms his consistent advocacy for "lower taxes," which he describes as "core to the Liberal Party's DNA." He acknowledges that opposing tax cuts was a "mistake" and a "tactical error" that allowed Labor to claim they were in favor of lower taxes. He expresses "enormous respect and gratitude and affection towards Peter" and states that Dutton was always driven by what he believed was in the "national interest."

Government Energy Rebates and Gas Reservation

Patterson views the government's energy rebates as a "real dilemma" for Treasurer Jim Chalmers, given the projected $42 billion deficit. He suggests these rebates are an attempt to "mask their energy policy failure." He believes the government faces a choice between Australians bearing the full cost of their policy failure or the budget bearing that cost.

Regarding a potential gas reservation policy, Patterson confirms that the Liberal Party held this position before the last election. He argues that "Australians shouldn't be paying among the highest gas prices in the world when we are a major exporter of gas." He highlights the "shocking shortage of gas" in Victoria, which makes energy "far too unaffordable" for households and businesses.

Chris Bowen's Role as COP President

Patterson is critical of Chris Bowen's dual role as COP president and Energy Minister. He suggests Bowen should "thank President Erdogan for saving Australian taxpayers $2 billion by not having to host COP" and humorously implies Bowen should "probably stay there" due to his perceived focus on the international circuit rather than lowering energy prices for Australians. He points out that under Bowen's watch, Australians are paying "up to $1,300 more than they promised they would." Patterson dismisses the government's argument that Bowen's COP presidency assists with regional security, stating, "I'm sure Xi Jinping is quaking in his boots that Chris Bowen is going to turn the international COP conference into a national security conference." He reiterates that the Energy Minister's job is to "get energy prices affordable so we're not driving jobs and industry offshore."

Environmental Law Reform

Patterson states that the Liberal Party "certainly couldn't support the proposed legislation" on environmental law reform in its current form, citing deficiencies and concerns from the business community. He reveals that Susan Lee and Angie Bell have proposed seven changes to the legislation that could lead to potential Liberal support. He emphasizes that "the ball is in the government's court" and that the Liberal Party is willing to act in a "bipartisan way in the national interest" if the government is willing to compromise. However, if the government prioritizes "ideology over Australia's national interest," they are welcome to "do a deal with the Greens and they will be wear the consequences of that."

Conclusion

James Patterson articulates the Liberal Party's strategic focus on energy affordability as a core policy priority, positioning it as a key differentiator from the Labor government. He defends the party's approach to net zero emissions as a balance between international obligations and the economic well-being of Australians. The interview also highlights the Liberal Party's commitment to lower taxes and their willingness to engage in bipartisan cooperation on environmental law reform, provided their concerns are addressed. Patterson expresses skepticism about the government's current energy policies and the effectiveness of ministerial roles focused on international climate negotiations over domestic energy affordability.