The Queensland Government’s Inquiry on Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 began with its first public hearing — which took place on January 22, 2024.
On 24 October 2023, the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement introduced the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 into the Queensland Parliament and the bill was referred to the Transport and Resources Committee for detailed consideration.
Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG) CEO Simon Corbell appeared at the inquiry and commended the Queensland government’s thorough consultation in amending the Bill and has made recommendations to further boost the speed of the transition to renewables, stating that this would facilitate the achievement of Paris Agreement targets — which includes “limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius”.
“The renewable energy transition is here and we have every opportunity to meet our Paris Agreement targets of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“CEIG members are particularly supportive of the framework proposed for assessing public ownership targets, which continue to give confidence to private companies to invest and support Queensland energy transition,” said Corbell.
Corbell stated that investors — who play a vital role in achieving these targets — particularly need clarity regarding legislative targets and effective approval processes that balance genuine community consultation with efficient time frames.
“Of course, there could be further improvements and the CEIG proposes the Bill be amended to accelerate the renewable energy target, aiming for 80% renewables by 2031, instead of the current 2035 goal,” said Corbell.
The purpose of the bill is to:
- enshrine key commitments from the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, such as the following, in law:
- build a clean and competitive energy system for the economy and industries as a platform for accelerating growth
- deliver affordable energy for households and businesses and support more rooftop solar and batteries
- drive better outcomes for workers and communities as partners in the energy transformation
- create the infrastructure frameworks needed to build the Queensland SuperGrid
- establish the governance and advisory functions for a smooth, coordinated transformation to support workers and communities.
The committee invited submissions on any aspect of the bill from all interested parties and extended the date for written submissions to be received until 10 January 2024.
