The Allan Government’s inquiry into the recent mass blackouts which left half a million Victorian homes and businesses without power is nothing more than a sham.
Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio, today announced details of the inquiry which will avoid any scrutiny of the Government’s failures.
The vulnerability of Victoria’s transmission and distribution networks will be completely ignored. While Victoria’s energy grid continues to deteriorate, Labor has repeatedly failed to listen to several reports from Victoria’s energy safety watchdog or implement recommendations to improve energy security.
Shadow Minister for Energy, Affordability and Security, David Davis, said: “Labor’s sham inquiry proves the Allan Government is not serious about fixing Victoria’s energy grid.
“With its limited scope, the inquiry will not look at the Allan Government’s role. Did Labor take the right steps, ahead of time, in facilitating resilience in Victoria’s 6,000km high voltage transmission network?
“While transmission infrastructure is owned and maintained by AusNet, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Government to ensure energy is delivery to homes and businesses.
“It’s not enough to limit the scope of the review as to the role of energy distribution companies. The role of the Government overall must also be on the table.
“Until the fundamental vulnerabilities of Victoria’s energy network are addressed, more and more Victorians will continue to suffer prolonged power disruptions at a time they can least afford it.
“Labor cannot manage money or our energy system and Victorian households and business continue to pay the price.”
