The Climate Council is urging the Albanese Government to use next month's Federal Budget to fund measures that will deliver Australians lasting energy security, not just temporary fixes.
The Pedal to the Metal: A Budget to Break Free from Fuel Chaos analysis outlines four key measures the Government can implement to shore up long-term energy security, lower costs and cut climate pollution.
The principles focus on electrification, solar and batteries, and cleaner transport to cut bills now and protect Australians against future oil and gas supply shortages and price spikes.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said:
"The more we can electrify our homes and transport, the more we reduce our reliance on imported oil and gas. That not only cuts costs, it shields Aussie households, farms and businesses from on-going global price shocks.
"Right now many Australians are suffering from petrol price pain; bringing in more EVs will protect families from fuel shocks. In March, Australian EV drivers together saved $50 million in fuel costs.
"It's crucial that our Government does not settle for short-term thinking and short-term fixes; it needs to meet the moment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and investing in reliable, affordable Australian power from the sun, wind and batteries.
"We're proposing key measures that will set us up for energy security now and into the future: accelerating the roll out of renewables, electrifying homes, transport and industry, appropriately taxing fossil fuels and using the revenue to fund the transition.''
Climate Councillor Greg Bourne, a former BP executive and energy advisor to UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, said:
"Unlike the global oil crises of the 1970s, this time there are cheap and abundant alternatives to fossil fuels: renewable energy and electric vehicles are already widely deployed. We just need more.
"The sun doesn't care about the Strait of Hormuz and the wind doesn't care who's in the White House.
"The Australian Government is better placed than most to capitalise on renewable energy solutions. That would be the best response. The worst response would be to double down and commit to long-term investments in the fuels that are driving the price rises being felt by every Australian right now.
"It's time to embrace the future, not cling to the past.''
