Pitt on side of cheap power

THE man who will oversee Australia’s mining industry in Scott Morrison’s new Cabinet says Australia should prioritise cheaper power over reducing emissions.

In his first interview since taking over the Resources, Water and Northern Australia portfolios, Keith Pitt said he was willing to back new coal projects, renewable energy or nuclear power as long as it was cheap and kept the lights on.

“I don’t care if it runs on chook manure as long as it’s affordable and reliable,” he said. “I am a practical guy and if you want to find things that bring down emissions you have to consider all options. I believe in doing things that work.”

The former sugar cane farmer from Bundaberg was catapulted to cabinet last week following a spill of the National Party leadership. As the only tradie at the cabinet table, Mr Pitt admits he doesn’t have the political pedigree of some of his colleagues but said he would bring a “practical approach” to policy making.

First elected in 2013, the former electrical engineer is a supporter of coal and nuclear technology. So strong was his opposition to Australia’s Paris commitment to reduce emissions by up to 28 per cent by 2030, he cited the pact as one of the main reasons for resigning as an assistant minister in 2018.

Mr Pitt said Australia was doing “an enormous amount” to reduce emissions.

“We have made a commitment and we will meet it but our priority has to be ensuring power prices come down,” he said.

As the Morrison Government faces pressure to do more on climate change, Mr Pitt, 50, vowed to champion the resources sector, hitting out at minor parties who he accused of “denigrating” mining.

“The people who work in resources are proud of their sector and they should be. They have got my 100 per cent support,” he said.

Mr Pitt didn’t grow up in a political family and isn’t a career politician.

“I have come from a background were I was bagging ice for $4 an hour, and went on to pumping petrol before getting an apprenticeship,” he said.

“If there’s a message I can send to younger people it’s that the world is your oyster. In this country, you can do anything.”

In his new role, Mr Pitt said he would follow the advice of former minister Territorian Nigel Scullion, who told colleagues to “stop looking at Twitter and go to the pub”.

Mr Pitt and his wife Allison have three children, Liam, 19, Ruby, 17, and Elisabeth, 13.