Already a subscriber?For obvious reasons, not least the proximity of the next election, next week’s federal budget will be an important event for the Albanese government.
Budget replies are big moments for any opposition leader in that they present a once-in-a-year opportunity to outline their vision, principles and policies, all uninterrupted and live on national television. Angus Taylor, who was energy minister in the previous government, noted wryly federal Labor would eventually have to face reality.
While Dutton will go hard on energy next Thursday, he should not ignore the exit ramp Labor has offered him this week with its unambiguous embrace of gas. It can’t and signs are starting to show. In NSW, the government is in discussions with Origin Energy about extending the life of the Eraring coal-fired power station beyond 2025.