The new Minister spoke in generalisations today - not too much flesh on his broad plan.
However, the signs thus far are positive that he will turn his back on the climate change religion and prioritise sensible policies that will provide cheaper and more reliable energy.
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Energy minister to target power companies
New federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor says power companies have lost the trust of Australians, and has rejected claims he is a climate sceptic.
Matt Coughlan
Australian Associated PressAUGUST 30, 201811:09AM
Energy Minister Angus Taylor has vowed to target big power companies, saying they have breached Australians' trust in the same way as the big banks.
The newly-appointed minister on Thursday outlined his approach to driving power prices down, in a speech scathing of energy providers.
He foreshadowed heavy-handed intervention if companies failed to help consumers with skyrocketing bills.
"The loss of trust and the failure to deliver acceptable outcomes has reached the point where the government has no choice to wield a big stick, which we will use if we have to," Mr Taylor said in Sydney.
He defended claims he is a climate change sceptic, while also arguing against renewable energy subsidies.
The minister said his concerns about the climate did not justify the hard-earned wages of Australians being funnelled into expensive programs which did nothing to cut energy costs.
"I am and have been for many years deeply sceptical of the economics of so many of the emissions reduction programs dreamed up by politicians, vested interests and technocrats around the world," he said.
Mr Taylor, who supported Peter Dutton in last week's Liberal leadership challenge, promised to bring the same focus to cutting power bills as now Prime Minister Scott Morrison did to stopping the boats when immigration minister.
"The electricity sector, like the banks, needs to re-establish its credibility or social licence with the community," he said.
The three planks of his plan are introducing a price safety net, increasing competition in the sector and stamping out price-gouging.
"It would be marvellous if we could fix these problems by leaving industry alone, but unfortunately we're well passed that point," he said.
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