The Albanese Government is scrambling to rein in its costly home battery subsidy scheme after a massive budget blowout, raising serious questions about Labor’s energy policy and its impact on taxpayers.
Reports today confirm Energy Minister Chris Bowen is considering scaling back Labor’s “Cheaper Home Batteries” program following Coalition criticism of the cost blowouts.
The program was originally budgeted at $2.3 billion, but the government has already been forced to expand the scheme to around $7.2 billion over four years after demand far exceeded forecasts.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Energy Security and Affordability, Garth Hamilton MP said the situation exposed the flawed design of Labor’s energy policies.
“Australians were promised power bills would fall by $275, energy is up 38 per cent.”
“We are seeing higher electricity prices, spiralling costs of energy subsidies and policy chaos.”
“This situation highlights that the government is willing to sacrifice those who can least afford electricity price rises, to fund upper-class energy welfare”.
Mr Hamilton said energy policy must focus on affordability, reliability and taxpayers money must be spent responsible, rather than through poorly targeted subsidies.
“If a policy needs billions of dollars in extra taxpayer funding just months after it begins, it is clear the government didn’t do the homework.”
“Australians want lower power bills and a reliable grid – not expensive schemes that come at the cost of households already under pressure.”
Mr Hamilton called on the Government to come clean and explain how much the program will ultimately cost taxpayers and what it will do to support low income families.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908