The latest Productivity Commission report confirms what Family First has been warning all along: Australia’s rush to net zero will be expensive, environmentally damaging, and put the reliability of our electricity grid at risk.
Despite claims of cheaper energy and climate salvation, the Commission’s own findings reveal that decarbonisation “comes with costs”—potentially massive ones. While lacking hard numbers, the report acknowledges some policies could cost as much as $20,000 per tonne of carbon abated.
This isn’t just poor economics—it’s reckless.
To meet Labor’s net zero goals, the Commission recommends expanding the Safeguard Mechanism to capture even more businesses and fast-tracking renewable energy projects through sweeping planning law reforms.
This would give politicians and bureaucrats the power to override environmental concerns in the name of “climate targets.” Incredibly, the Commission proposes prioritising wind farms and transmission lines over the very ecosystems environmental laws were created to protect.
Family First believes this is not a “green” agenda—it’s greenwashing on a dangerous scale.
Even more alarming, the report calls for phasing out coal and minimising gas—despite gas being essential for backing up intermittent wind and solar. With coal-fired stations closing and gas investment under threat, Australia’s energy security is being dismantled.
Yet, the Commission admits that “clean-energy projects are not without risks,” including harming local communities and cultural sites.
Industry groups are right to be alarmed. Aaron Morey from the WA Chamber of Commerce rightly said these proposals “act to further reduce the competitiveness and attractiveness of investing in this country.”
Meanwhile, Australian Energy Producers warn that the Albanese Government is ignoring the vital role gas must play in firming the grid and fuelling manufacturing.
Family First believes Australians deserve cheap, reliable energy—not risky experiments that hurt jobs, drive up bills, and sacrifice the landscape to industrial-scale wind and solar farms.
It’s time to put people and productivity first—not ideology. The push for net zero must be paused before more damage is done. Let’s return to common sense: a transition through coal, gas and ultimately nuclear, not costly climate panic.
Family First stands ready to fight for a sane energy future—and candidates who will restore reality to the energy debate.
Net Zero will be a key focus at the up-coming Family First National Conference in Sydney next month. Gerard Holland from the Page Research Centre will address the topic “Net Zero Truth” and Professor Ian Plimer will address the topic “Climate Changes”. Get your tickets at www.familyfirstparty.org.au.