12th Sep 2017, 4:01 PM – Senate Motions - Energy - Reregulate to control increase in electricity prices

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Greens Senator Richard Di Natale, which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes the significant increase in retail electricity prices in recent years;

(b) notes that:

(i) privatisation has had negative consequences in the electricity sector, and

(ii) price rises have been much higher in states where retail electricity prices have been deregulated;

(c) is concerned that in deregulated states, like Victoria, retail profit margins alone can account for up to 30 per cent of a household's electricity bills;

(d) considers that electricity is an essential service that should be run in the public interest; and

(e) supports the reregulation of retail electricity prices.