Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Labor’s flawed energy policy raised in Parliament

Concerns for incentives to shut down business operations during the summer.

By Portal Admin - 30th December 2017 - Back to News

Member for Morwell, Russell Northe yesterday raised in Parliament concerns relating to financial incentives being offered for businesses to shut down or partially shutting down their operations during the summer period.

Mr Northe’s concerns relate to the lack of energy reliability in Victoria post the closure of Hazelwood Power Station, and for workers of those businesses receiving financial incentives to shut down.

Mr Northe said, "It is a ridiculous situation in Victoria at the moment whereby the State Labor Government has taxed Latrobe Valley generators an extra $252 million, with Hazelwood subsequently closing its doors – yet now we see diesel generators being installed and businesses having to shut down their operations because we don’t have security of supply following Hazelwood’s closure".

Mr Northe said "Our community and its workers should be made aware of what businesses have been offered incentives and provided an assurance that no shifts or jobs will be lost as a consequence of these shutdowns."

"The State Government needs to make it clear to workers that no wages will be lost by employees of businesses who are in receipt of the energy load shedding incentives." said Mr Northe

It was Labor’s policy to see Hazelwood Power Station close and despite claims energy security in Victoria wouldn’t be compromised we unfortunately now know that such claims were simply and utterly wrong.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
  Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.