PM grilled on renewables amid rural backlash

Anthony Albanese says he won’t mislead regional Australians on the energy transition, but acknowledges community consultation on renewable projects could be better.

The prime minister called for respectful debate on renewable energy while facing a sometimes hostile crowd at the News Corp Bush Summit in Ballarat, Victoria, on Friday morning.

Answering a question from a farmer on whether rural communities were carrying the cost of the energy transition, the prime minister said the cheapest form of new energy was renewables and the market had determined the phase-out of coal power.

The previous coalition government adopted a position on net zero emissions targets in 2021 and it did not advance any new coal-fired power plants, Mr Albanese said as some audience members heckled him.

“I’ll continue to engage, but I won’t bullshit people,” Mr Albanese said.

“I won’t come along and say we’re going to do something with new coal-fired power stations when it didn’t happen.

“And I’m not going to come along and say the solution is something that might happen sometime into the 2040s, which is what … the opposition’s nuclear plan was about,” he said, referring to the coalition’s election promise to build seven nuclear reactors.

Having spoken to farmers and rural Australians, Mr Albanese said consultation on renewables should be better.

“Quite clearly governments haven’t done well enough in the engagement and community consultation and those processes, no question about that,” he said.

He also announced $1 billion in funding for the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), which provides farm businesses with low-interest loans.

The extra funds would allow the corporation to expand its focus to climate adaptation and resilience.

“This will ensure the RIC can continue to support farm businesses in hardship, including those managing through and recovering from current drought conditions,” the prime minister said.

“While we can always be proud that the worst of circumstances brings out the best in Australians, no community should ever have to stand alone.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also faced escalating heckling from the crowd as she delivered a speech, describing her love of the bush and dedication to regional communities.

“No one wants you here,” one man yelled, as the premier continued.

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Labor’s policies misunderstood many aspects of rural Australia.

Farmers should not have to host renewable energy infrastructure on their land if they do not want it, she said.

“Renewable energy has a place in our future, but it’s absolutely essential that the impact on our farmers is fully taken into account.”

Ms Ley said the coalition was reviewing its energy policies, but did not directly answer a question about whether net zero targets would be dropped.

“We do need to have an energy policy that delivers affordable, reliable energy and plays Australia’s role in reducing emissions,” she said.

“But … it can’t come at any cost.”