Coal still part of the mix, says Shorten
OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten has backed in coal exports and power stations, softening Labor’s stance, while urging people to stop “dumbing down” the energy debate to black and white.
In some of his strongest language in the debate, Mr Shorten said he wanted to see more rooftop solar and batteries in people’s homes under a Labor Government, but backed continuing the use and export of coal.
“I want to force energy prices down; the only way to do that is stopping this dumbed down debate.
“Are you for coal or against coal? Do you have coal tattooed on you or do you have ‘ stop Adani’ tattooed on you?
“I’m pro- renewables, but yes, coal will be part of our energy and export mix going forward.
“I want to see households have more solar rooftops. I want to see more batteries in households and more batteries in business.”
Earlier this month, Opposition climate change spokesman Pat Conroy spoke about replacing thermal coal exports with renewable energy exports.
But on Wednesday, Opposition energy spokesman Mark Butler, who has been one of the most vocal Labor members opposed to the Adani coal mine, said in an interview that he accepted Australia would continue exporting coal given the global demand.
“That’s the way in which the market works,” he said.