Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill creates the legal foundation for Queensland's transition from coal-fired to renewable electricity generation. It legislates renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035, commits to public ownership of energy assets, establishes frameworks to build new transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zones across the state, and creates a $150 million fund to support workers at coal-fired power stations through the transition.
Who it affects
Electricity consumers across Queensland will see a shift to renewable energy while the government maintains public ownership of energy assets. Workers at publicly owned coal-fired power stations are guaranteed support through retraining and employment pathways funded by a $150 million Job Security Guarantee Fund.
Key changes
- Legislates renewable energy targets of at least 50% by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035
- Commits to public ownership of 100% of transmission, distribution, and deep storage assets and at least 54% of generation assets by 2035
- Creates a state-based framework for building Priority Transmission Investments to form the backbone of the Queensland SuperGrid, outside the national electricity rules
- Establishes Renewable Energy Zones where the connection of new large-scale wind and solar generation to the grid is coordinated through management plans
- Sets up a $150 million Job Security Guarantee Fund for workers at publicly owned coal-fired power stations affected by the transition
- Creates three new advisory bodies — the Queensland Energy System Advisory Board, the Energy Industry Council, and the Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate — all to be abolished by 31 December 2035
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee24 Oct 2023View Hansard
Referred to Transport and Resources Committee
▸Second Reading17 Apr 2024 – 18 Apr 2024View Hansard
That the Clean Economy Jobs Bill be read a second time
Party VoteVote on the companion Clean Economy Jobs Bill, which establishes workforce transition and job support provisions for the energy transformation. Passed on voices.
The motion passed.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the member for Maiwar’s amendment No. 1 be agreed to
Party VoteThe motion was defeated.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the member for Maiwar’s amendment be agreed to
Party VoteThe motion was defeated.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (49)
Noes (34)
That the Clean Economy Jobs Bill, as amended, be now read a third
Party VoteThe motion passed.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill be read a
The motion passed.
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Ayes (50)
Noes (36)
That the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill, as
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (50)
Noes (37)
That the member for Bundaberg be further heard
The motion was defeated.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (33)
Noes (48)
Vote on a motion
Party VoteThe motion was rejected.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (49)
Noes (33)
▸24 members spoke12 support12 oppose
Supported the cognate bills, noting the LNP claimed to support emissions reduction goals but offered no alternative plan and opposed every mechanism to achieve them.
“Our government's vision for Queensland's future is one that is powered by a high-performing low-carbon economy and these bills will achieve that purpose.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Supported both bills in the cognate debate, noting the LNP had indicated support but questioning what their alternative pathway was.
“I am pleased the LNP will be supporting both of these bills in cognate, but I would ask—as the member for Bonney just said—what is their pathway.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, questioning the cost and feasibility of the renewable energy targets and the government's track record on delivering major infrastructure projects.
“I rise to speak on the cognate debate on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 and the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, raising concerns about the impact of wind farms on rural communities in Southern Downs and criticising late amendments that bypassed committee scrutiny, particularly regarding renewable energy zones and Powerlink.
“The very clear message from the community was that they do not want a wind farm on their doorstep.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Opposed the Energy bill specifically, criticising the cognate debate format for combining two distinctly different bills, questioning the costs to Queenslanders, and expressing disappointment at the lack of detail on project costs.
“What will these projects cost? It is a simple question. What will the impact be on Queenslanders' cost of living?”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the bills while criticising them for not going far enough, noting the Greens' plan called for 20 gigawatts by 2030 compared to the government's 22 gigawatts by 2035. Moved an amendment to strengthen public ownership provisions.
“The Energy and Jobs Plan that the energy bill legislates has some long overdue and very positive elements.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly opposed the bills, arguing the renewable energy targets are unrealistic and that the government's plans amount to privatisation by stealth. Raised concerns about the impact on regional communities and energy prices.
“I believe that is a load of crock and it has nothing to do with supporting communities.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Supported both bills, highlighting the Clean Economy Jobs Bill's support for jobs and Queensland's economic future, and the opportunities for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The Clean Economy Jobs Bill will support jobs and it will secure Queensland's economic future.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, questioning the government's approach to renewable energy transition and its impact on energy prices and regional communities.
“Both bills share similar goals, including to drive increased government and private investment in the state's renewable energy transition.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Moved an amendment to change the review period for renewable energy targets from five years to two years, arguing more frequent reviews would provide better accountability. The amendment was negatived.
“Review of renewable energy targets - Page 13, line 12, '5' - omit, insert - 2.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Opposed the bills as a committee member, arguing the LNP supports renewable energy in principle but does not trust the government to deliver it. Raised concerns about the government's late amendments and clause 13 of the Energy bill.
“We support renewable energy, but we do not trust this government to deliver it in any capacity.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills as important legislation to transform Queensland's energy system, dismissing the opposition's nuclear proposals.
“This is fantastic legislation and I commend it to the House.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the bills but moved amendments seeking to strengthen public ownership provisions in the electricity system, particularly targeting the role of private for-profit retail entities. The amendments were negatived.
“I would have had a lot more to say on this bill had debate not been rather rudely cut off.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Opposed the bills, raising concerns about the impact on agricultural sectors and the economic restructuring involved in the energy transition. Urged support for LNP amendments.
“I urge support for the LNP amendments.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the member for Maiwar's amendment and the bills overall, but criticised Labor for allowing private for-profit entities to run electricity retail in the south-east corner.
“To say this is the most cost-effective approach forgets the fact that for-profit entities are mainly interested in making money as opposed to delivering electricity to Queenslanders in a cost effective and clean way.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Opposed the bills, seconding the contributions of the members for Bonney, Nanango and Condamine, arguing there was insufficient detail given the cognate debate format.
“Given it is a cognate debate there is only so much detail we can go into.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills, highlighting the committee's work and warning that energy assets would be at risk of privatisation under the LNP.
“The sale of our energy assets would again be in jeopardy under the LNP. I commend the bills to the House.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills from a strong environmental protection perspective, noting her background growing up during the Franklin River debate in Tasmania.
“You cannot grow up, as I did in Tasmania in the eighties, against the backdrop of the Franklin River debate and not have a strong and clear position around environmental protections.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the Energy bill, arguing the renewable energy targets are not achievable and questioning the impact on regional communities and energy prices.
“According to the government, the bill is the key next step in the Energy and Jobs Plan.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills, highlighting the government's record in facilitating Queensland's energy transformation and the progress made so far.
“We have made a lot of progress and there will be a lot more progress because of these bills.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills, arguing only a Labor government can be trusted on the environment, energy and jobs.
“It is only a Labor government that can be trusted on the environment, on energy and on jobs.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills and supported the amendments moved by the member for Nanango, while expressing concern about the impact on regional communities and energy affordability.
“I rise to speak in the cognate debate on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 and the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024 and in support of the amendments moved by my colleague the member for Nanango.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills for taking real action on climate change, protecting workers, and keeping energy assets in public hands to provide cheaper energy.
“They will allow us to provide cheaper energy, look after workers and take real action on climate change.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, criticising the government's energy transition approach as delusional and questioning the impact on energy prices.
“I cannot believe how delusional the member for Greenslopes and the member for Bundamba are about what is happening in what they call a transition of power.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard