Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister Bridget McKenzie has criticised the “appalling decision” by the Victorian government to implement their new gas policy which she says will “disproportionately” impact the poor and renters.
Victorian households are set to be slugged $2,400 upfront, and businesses over $30,000, for new gas connections.
“I mean, net zero by 2050 shouldn’t mean that the poor and the disadvantaged pay a disproportionate cost of that transition,” Ms McKenzie told Sky News Australia.
“Everyone knows that gas is going to be one of the key transition fuels to a low-emissions future, and for the Victorian government to suddenly say sorry Victorians, you’re all going to have to go electric, you can’t avail yourself of that abundant resource that we have here – we’re going to ship it all overseas for their transmission plans – is just beggars belief.
“I think it is a really poor decision and all the data shows it’s going to negatively and disproportionately impact the poor, the disadvantaged and renters out there in Victoria.”
