Affordable Energy Was Once the Norm in Australia

A recent poll by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) highlights that Australians prioritize affordable and reliable energy over net zero targets. Conducted by Dynata in early June, the survey asked, “What should be the main focus of the federal government’s energy policy?”

Key findings include:

  • 57% of respondents prioritize affordability, up from 41% in 2022.
  • 24% emphasize reliability, a decrease from 31% in 2022.
  • Only 19% focus on meeting the net zero emissions by 2050 target, down from 28% in 2022.

IPA Deputy Executive Director Daniel Wild noted that the combined preference for affordability and reliability has risen from 72% to 81% since 2022. He argues that the focus should shift back to affordable and reliable energy, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Additionally, the poll revealed:

  • 48% of Australians are unwilling to pay anything to achieve net zero by 2050, up from 42% in 2022.
  • 54% believe the country should pause its net zero commitment until energy supplies are sufficient to avoid blackouts.

Wild emphasized the need for more coal and gas generation to ensure affordable and reliable energy, criticizing current efforts towards a costly and unreliable renewable transition.

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