Renewables and the Culture War: Power Prices, Populism and the Road to 2028 

Date: Friday 24 July 
Time: 4:00pm – 4:50pm 
Location: Fringe Room 3
Format: Panel discussion with Q&A  

Organisation: Smart Energy Council and ETU 

Energy policy has long been a key part of the climate and culture wars in Australian politics. With cost of living continuing to dominate voter sentiment, the LNP is sharpening its critique of renewables around power prices and system reliability — while simultaneously competing with One Nation for voters sceptical of the transition. This panel  will examine how the contest to “own” the energy affordability debate could shape the 2028 federal election, define key state elections particularly in Victoria and Queensland, and determine the national debate on climate change. We will discuss current voter sentiment, how supporters of renewable energy might prepare for the contest, what will the campaign debate look like and how can Australians worried about climate change get involved? There will be interaction and plenty of opportunity for Q&A. 

Moderator: Kaitie Hepworth, ETU 

Panel:

  • Rebecca Huntley, Author and researcher 
  • Michael Wright, Nationa Secretary, ETU 
  • David McElrea, CEO, Smart Energy Council 

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Authorised by D.Epstein, The Chifley Research Centre, Canberra. ©2023 Chifley Research Centre. This project is supported by the Commonwealth Government through a grant-in-aid program that is administered by the Department of Finance.

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