Dissenting report by Senators Grogan and Stewart

Introduction

1.1Australia, like most of the world, is experiencing increased inflation and consequential household budget pressure. The global causes of short-term inflationary pressures, supply chain blockages complicated by an illegal and immoral war perpetrated by Russia, are having universal effect.[1] In Australia, they were aggravated by economic,[2] energy,[3] housing,[4] wages,[5] skills,[6] and healthcare[7] policy malaise and stagnation across the life of the former Coalition Government. By May 2022, this dearth of policy certainty and clarity left ordinary Australians exposed to a dire housing shortage,[8] energy fuel uncertainty[9], and a deficiency in access to crucial healthcare.[10]

1.2In less than a year in office, the Albanese Labor Government has lifted Australia from this policy valley, and is taking urgent steps to address the immediate inflationary crisis.

1.3Policy strides in energy investment and emissions policy certainty have renewed investment and business confidence,[11] with a clear economic pathway to easing the load on household budgets.[12] The Government has reduced the cost of vital medicines[13] and is improving access and affordability to health care through Urgent Care-Clinics—a goal which will be strengthened by the Government’s response to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.[14]

1.4The Government is also taking strong steps to ensure Australians have a safe, secure and affordable home;[15] through the development of the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, widening the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, striking a new National Housing Accord, and the Help to Buy and Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee schemes. A crisis that has developed over the last decade cannot be fixed overnight, but further delays to crucial investment in social and affordable housing through the Liberal, National and Greens refusal to pass the Housing Australia Future Fund legislation risks continuing a significant housing shortage.

1.5The cost of living crisis that began before the 2022 Federal Election was compounded by the policy of the previous Government to intentionally limit wage growth,[16] meaning that Australians could buy less with the money they earn[17]. Through the work of this committee, the Labor Government’s steps to deliver wage increases for some of the lowest paid Australians was noted as a real step to address working poverty after a decade of neglect.[18]

1.6The Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living heard that there is good news in the outlook for Australians managing their household budget, as the inflation crisis that began under the previous Coalition Government appears to have peaked in December 2022.[19]

1.7The committee heard that while there are no easy 'Shark Tank' solutions to an economy-wide global inflation crisis inflamed by nearly a decade of policy failure, the Labor Government’s balanced, reforming approach to service delivery, employment and wage security, and investment confidence means things will get easier for Australians without driving inflation further or devastating the national budget.

Economic Outlook

1.8The drivers behind Australia’s current cost of living circumstances are largely global and being experienced by other similar economies.[20] Dr Marion Kohler, Head of Economic Analysis Department, Reserve Bank of Australia told the committee:

Most advanced economies have experienced a large increase in inflation over the past year or so. A big driver of higher prices was unpredictable shocks to supply that affected many countries. Most notable are the pandemic disruptions to global supply chains and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In Australia we also had flooding on the east coast that affected supply here. Strong growth and domestic demand have also played a role in many countries.[21]

1.9Whilst the overall experience of recent inflation is shared, the drivers and structure of that inflation is slightly different. The committee heard that Europe, for example, has had a crisis disproportionately driven by energy price inflation.

1.10Australia’s inflation has had broad impact across almost all sectors of the economy. Early warning signs began in mid-2021, driven by COVID related supply chain blockages. This translated to real world cost of living challenges after being exacerbated by the War in Ukraine, floods, fires, and domestic energy supply challenges.[22]

1.11The independent Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) responded to these inflationary pressures by steadily increasing the target cash rate over the course of 2022 and early 2023.[23]

1.12The broad-based nature of Australia’s inflation has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable and low-income households. Inflation is relative to a household’s ability to meet increased costs[24]. The real-world impact of that economic reality was crystalised by evidence from charities and food providers that increasing numbers of working Australians are struggling to put food on the table,[25] a consequence of the former Government’s intentional policy of wage stagnation.

1.13The committee heard good news that relief for household budgets may be near, in that the RBA gave evidence that they believed we had seen inflation peak in December 2022 and that it would likely ease over the remainder of 2023.[26]

Wages and employment

1.14Ms Brianna Casey, Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank told the committee:

Fifty-four— that's the percentage of food-insecure households in Australia with someone in paid work. A job is no longer a shield against a cost-of-living crisis. Five hundred thousand—that's the number of households that will struggle to put a meal on the table tonight. These are households in my community, in your communities and in a growing number of communities. Why? Put simply, it's because people's incomes are not keeping up with their expenses.

It's that basic.[27]

1.15Reverend Stu Cameron, Chief Executive Officer, Wesley Mission/Wesley Community Services said:

Across our service providing crisis support we are seeing this right now: more first-time users. These are people who are employed and a double-income families seeking support for financial difficulties. This reflects the changing face of financial stress and poverty in our nation.[28]

1.16In March 2019, then Finance Minister in the former Coalition Government said that low wage growth was 'a deliberate design feature of our economic architecture'.[29]

1.17The impact of this decade long policy tragedy was felt when global pressures began to drive the prices of everyday goods up for Australian households. Multiple charities and food providers reported to the committee that they are seeing significantly increased numbers of working Australians seek assistance to put food on the table.[30]

1.18Witnesses told the committee that causes of wage stagnation were downward pressure on bargaining rights for workers,[31] changes to worker/employer power dynamics over the last decade,[32] and the increased notion of the gig economy.[33] A significant link was also drawn between union representation and healthy wage growth.[34]

1.19Any suggestion of wage growth driving Australia’s recent inflation was thoroughly debunked,[35] with a demonstration that, after nearly a decade of intentional wage suppression, real wages had fallen to the same point there were under the previous Labor Government in 2009.[36]

1.20Recent Government action in early childhood education and care subsidy rates will not only have a direct impact on household budgets in terms of reducing costs but enables more parents and caregivers to re-enter the workforce, particularly women. From July 2023, 1.2 million Australian families will see significant cost-of-living relief, with the average family on about $120000 a year with a child in care three days a week saving approximately $1700.[37] Compared with the experience of Australians under the former Coalition Government, which saw early childhood childcare and education costs soar by 49 percent,[38] a variety of witnesses stated that Labor Government’s reforms will provide some relief for families with children.[39] Ms Jennifer Kirkaldy, General Manager, Policy and Advocacy, The Salvation Army Australia explained:

Absolutely, affordable childcare is incredibly important in terms of the child's wellbeing but also in terms of the wellbeing of the birth parent—usually the mother. That ability to get back into economic and social participation is critical for the wellbeing of the entire family. In terms of the answer to the question how important affordable childcare is: it's extremely important.[40]

1.21That the Government continue their policy of encouraging sustainable wage growth, unwinding the intentional wage suppression of the former Coalition Government.

1.22That the Government continue their policy of cost-of-living relief for families and enabling workforce participation.

Climate Change

1.23Witnesses across the hearings, and in submissions, drew a link between the increased effects of climate change, and the need to plan for them. Witnesses representing low-income and vulnerable households reported being among the hardest hit by climate related disasters.[41] Witnesses on behalf of industry,[42] grocery,[43] and agriculture[44] reported that climate disasters impacted supply chains and consequently prices for consumers.

1.24Energy Consumers Australia reported that in their regular survey of 2000 households and 500 small businesses, respondents do not see cost of living and action on climate change as things that they expect to be traded off against each other.[45]

1.25Ms Cassandra McCarthy, Corporate Affairs, Glencore Australia, in her commentary on the last decade, stated:

I think it's fair to say that in a number of critical policy areas there has been a level of instability.[46]

1.26Mr Paul Harker, Chief Commercial Officer, Woolworths Supermarkets also stated:

I think with anything that requires structural change, obviously having a level of certainty for what people actually driving towards is very helpful. The industry knowing collectively what they're trying to do and the time frames they going to do it in, and being able to work with some level of certainty around what that is, is helpful.[47]

1.27The need to take meaningful action on climate change was recognised by multiple witnesses and submissions.[48] It was clear that the business community was in favour and supportive of the Government’s legislated emissions reduction target.[49]

1.28The loud and clear message was that business and investment confidence in Australia has suffered from a decade of instability in 'a number of critical policy areas,' including climate and emissions policy.[50]

1.29The election of the Labor Government, and the legislative agenda since the election, have ended that policy instability, through mechanisms such as the legislated climate target and reformed Safeguard Mechanism. Innes Willox, Chief Executive of national employer association Ai Group, on the passage of the Safeguard Mechanism reforms:

After all the political gyrations of recent years and recent months, the legislation delivers a measure of much-needed certainty that Australia is serious about both its emissions goals and the centrality of competitive industry to achieving them. Maintaining and building our competitiveness is crucial both to our prosperity and our ability to deliver a net zero emissions economy.[51]

1.30Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, also said on the passage of the Safeguard Mechanism reforms:

Make no mistake, this is critical progress towards securing a transition that delivers new jobs and new opportunities.

We welcome the passage of this legislation and the adoption of key elements of the Business Council’s plan to reach net zero emissions.

After more than a decade of uncertainty and equivocation employers now have certainty about our emissions targets and how we’re going to get there.[52]

1.31Witnesses before the committee explained that newfound stability in Australian energy and emissions policy under the Labor Government has enabled long-term, nation building, job creating investment in Australia. Mr Arron Wood, Executive General Manager, Industry Development, Clean Energy Council said:

That policy certainty of a legislated climate target saw a real uptick in the confidence of our membership domestically but also globally. We have a lot of the big global clean energy players as well. Things like the Rewiring the Nation fund, for example, are critical. In the announcement of those legislated climate targets, with that target of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, these sorts of things allow companies, which are making investment decisions which might be 10 years out, to have the sort of certainty we need.[53]

1.32The Senate support the Government’s agenda to ensure emission reduction and clean energy investment, to take meaningful action on climate change whilst providing confidence to the business community.

Housing

1.33Housing was outlined as a fundamental element of cost of living challenges for the Australian economy. Multiple witnesses reported that, at it's core, Australia has a housing supply shortage[54] and more specifically an affordable housing supply shortage.[55] The result is that it is harder for Australians to buy their first home, and harder and more expensive for Australians to find a rental. The proportion of Australians in rental accommodation has grown, and the proportion of owner occupiers has fallen.[56]

1.34Witnesses spoke on of a crisis that has been emerging and growing for decades. When pressed however, expert witnesses were only able to name one Commonwealth Government initiative under the former Coalition Government that attempted to address housing affordability[57]. Indeed, certain schemes, such as the former Federal Government's HomeBuilder scheme, had a 'deleterious effect on affordability', because the way it was framed 'created a rush' and created 'supply chain issues of it's own'.[58]

1.35Several witnesses referenced the negative impact of that Government’s scaling down of effective affordability schemes such as the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

1.36Witnesses acknowledged the pace with which the Labor Government is taking action on housing affordability and supply, with legislation introduced to the Parliament before the end of 2022.[59]

1.37Like in the policy areas of emissions reduction and energy, witnesses and submissions spoke to the need for consultation with community, business and other Australian Governments in the formulation of a comprehensive plan to address housing. Key witnesses in the housing space indicated they had been engaging positively with the Labor Government in the formulation of an ambitious policy response.[60]

1.38Specific mention was made by business,[61] community groups,[62] and governments[63] of the importance of the Housing Australia Future Fund. The Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service described it as 'a promising development'. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute described their submission on the legislation as positive, describing the mechanism of folding the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation into Housing Australia as 'pretty straightforward'.[64] The Master Builders Association[65] and the Government of South Australia[66] made submissions in support of the legislation as a key part of addressing the housing supply shortage in Australia.

1.39That the Senate pass the Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund legislation without unnecessary further delay.

Energy

1.40Multiple witnesses and submissions confirmed that energy prices are a significant factor in cost-of-living pressures facing Australian households and businesses.[67]

1.41As mentioned earlier, there is an acceptance of the need to transition to renewable energy and ensure our energy infrastructure can deliver reliable energy to Australian households and businesses in a low carbon economy.[68]

1.42Again, witnesses outlined that these issues have built up over an extended period of time, with one witness describing 'a decade of policy chaos' that dampened private investment and investment confidence, and left Australia exposed to a 'disproportionate impact of fossil fuel hyperinflation'.[69]

1.43Another witness outlined the missed opportunity that 'decade of chaos' the former Coalition Government created; if there had been expanded investment in renewables and energy storage, then when the war in Ukraine and global gas and coal prices increased, Australia would likely have seen less impact on prices for households and businesses.[70]

1.44In December 2022, the Labor Government announced an Energy Price Relief Plan, which consisted of a price cap on wholesale gas contracts of $12 GJ, a price cap for thermal coal in Queensland and New South Wales, implemented in partnership with those states, of $125 Tonne, and $1.5 billion in targeted energy bill relief for households and small businesses.

1.45While the consumer rebates are still being finalised with states, both the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) have indicated the gas and coal price caps have filtered through electricity wholesale markets.

1.46AEMO’s latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics report has confirmed following the intervention:

Black coal generators in both NSW and Queensland have increased volumes offered at the lower price bands, which decreased the average price set by the black coal generators and contributed to the lower wholesale electricity price levels.

Electricity futures contract prices for FY2023–24 averaged $107/MWh for all mainland NEM regions across the quarter, a $55/MWh decrease from the prior quarter’s average FY2023-24 price.

Wholesale electricity prices across the National Electricity Market (NEM) averaged $83/megawatt hour (MWh) in Q1 2023, a decrease of $4/MWh from Q1 2022.

AEMO observes that these spot prices have returned to levels seen just before the highs observed in Q2 and Q3 2022.

Regional quarterly average prices ranged from $56/MWh in Victoria to $104/MWh in Queensland.

Output from renewable generation continues its growth trend with an 11 per cent increase in output compared to the same time last year, attributed to newly commissioned grid-scale wind and solar units.[71]

1.47On 14 March, the AER announced its draft Default Market Offer determination. In this determination, the AER stated:

The forward contract prices for the 2023–24 financial year began to fall in SE QLD and NSW as soon as the intervention was publicly mooted. These contract prices are an important input to our wholesale forecasts for the DMO because they represent market expectations about prices for the coming year and directly influence the costs to retailers in purchasing wholesale energy for their customers. Contract prices have now fallen by approximately 50% since the end of October.[72]

1.48In discussing the determination, Clare Savage, the Chair of the AER, stated:

Well, last September, October, we started briefing ministers on what we thought could happen to the electricity prices this year, and so we started doing estimates of what we might have been deciding today. And at that time, those estimates ranged between 35 and 50 per cent. Most of them were between 40 and 50 percent. So that was obviously very alarming; 40 to 50 per cent price increase is just horrific. So it's really good to see that all governments have intervened in both coal and gas markets and that has brought down the price expectations in the system, and so today's decision is more like 20 to 22 per cent…20-22% is still a significant increase, but it is much much lower than it otherwise would have been.[73]

1.49Witnesses confirmed this intervention will reduce the magnitude of price rises facing customers. Indeed, witnesses representing the community sector expressed concern at the hypothetical that the intervention didn’t occur, where pressures for Australian households and businesses would have been substantially worse toward the end of 2023, as Coalition Senators voted for. One witness called it 'the worst energy crisis – virtually in Australian history, and certainly in my life'.[74]

1.50Fortunately, witnesses 'applauded [sic] efforts by the federal and state governments to rectify the total market failure'.[75]

1.51In December, AEMO reported that they are forecasting a record level of investment in wind, solar and batteries in the next 12 to 24 months.[76] Renewables were cited as the cheapest form of energy generation,[77] and increased saturation of the energy generation market with renewables isolates Australia from global market challenges in fossil fuels, thus ensuring energy costs for households and businesses are stable. This is a direct result of the policy certainty created by the reformed Safeguard Mechanism, the Climate Change Act, and renewed support for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.[78]

1.52Mr Tim Buckley, Director, Clean Energy Finance told the committee:

There is definitely a solution in sight now that we have the clarity of an energy and climate policy that makes sense, that's aligned with the science, aligned with the economics and aligned with the interests of a sustainable economy in Australia. I think that will be great news for Australia. We are seeing very clear policy developments, whether that's the Safeguard Mechanism or the Climate Change Act. There are all sorts of programs. We've seen a reiteration of support for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the CEFC in order to drive and crowd in private investment.[79]

1.53Another aspect of policy having a direct impact on household energy costs is the impact of energy efficiency in housing. The Australian community responded to the dearth of policy under the former Government by significantly investing in rooftop solar, where they could afford to do so.

1.54Multiple witnesses spoke of the need to improve access to sustainable energy efficient homes, and the significant impact that an energy efficient house can have. Mr Joel Dignam, Executive Director, Better Renting stated that:

The energy efficiency issue in housing is really central when you talk about cost of living. When housing costs more, people end up in poorer quality homes.

They often have higher power costs. This doesn't just mean that they're paying more for energy; it often means that they're cutting back on energy altogether, which can mean that they're in quite unhealthy indoor temperatures. This is a big concern with heatwaves and also in winter.[80]

1.55There was broad support for energy efficiency investment, from multiple submissions and witnesses.[81] The Labor Government is significantly investing in ensuring better efficiency of households, including a $125 million investment with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Commonwealth Bank to encourage green home construction[82], and agreement to update the National Construction Code to require Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme equivalent of 7 stars in new houses and apartments.[83]Senator Karen GroganSenator Jana StewartSenator for South AustraliaSenator for Victoria

Footnotes

[1]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[2]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[3]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[4]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 49.

[5]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[6]The Tax Institute, Submission 46, p. 5.

[7]Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, Submission 53, pp. 7-9.

[8]Ms Caniglia, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 23.

[9]Mr Grudnoff, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[10]Submission 35, p. 8.

[11]Mr Grudnoff, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[12]Mr Weaver, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[13]Submission 15, p. 1.

[14]Submission 65, p. 8.

[15]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 45.

[16]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[17]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[18]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[19]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p 11.

[20]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p 11.

[21]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[22]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[23]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 11.

[24]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 10.

[25]Ms Casey, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 27.

[26]Dr Kohler, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 11.

[27]Ms Casey, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 28.

[28]Rev Cameron, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 29.

[29]Katharine Murphy, 'Linda Reynolds stumbles on wages growth in TV interview', The Guardian, 10March2019

[30]Ms Casey, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 27; Ms Dare, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 25; and Ms Wishart, Committee Hansard, 1 March 2023, p. 2.

[31]Submission 58, p. 3.

[32]Dr Goldie, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 50.

[33]Dr Goldie, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 50.

[34]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[35]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[36]Mr Jericho, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 17.

[37]The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education and the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, '100 days until cheaper child care', Media Release, 23 March 2023.

[38]Australian Government, 'Quarterly reports on usage, services, fees and subsidies', Department of Education (accessed 3 May 2023).

[39]Submission 31, p. 4; Submission 46, p. 4; and Answers to Questions on Notice, Salvation Army, p.1.

[40]Ms Kirkaldy, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 33.

[41]Ms Caniglia, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 30; and Submission 1, p. 24.

[42]Mr Loydell, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 8.

[43]Mr Harker, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 23.

[44]Mr Bulmer, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 56.

[45]Mr Bulmer, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 56.

[46]Ms McCarthy, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 6.

[47]Mr Harker, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 23.

[48]Ms Caniglia, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 30; and Dr Goldie, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 46.

[49]Ms McCarthy, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 5; and Mr Wood, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, pp. 25-26.

[50]Ms McCarthy, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 6.

[51]Ai Group, 'Safeguard reforms: now the real work begins', Media Release, 30 March 2023.

[52]Business Council of Australia, 'Getting on with the transition', Media Release, 30 March 2023.

[53]Mr Wood, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, pp. 25–26.

[54]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 42.

[55]Dr Alves, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 46.

[56]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 41.

[57]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 49.

[58]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 49.

[59]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 49.

[60]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 45.

[61]Answers to Questions on Notice, Master Builders Association, p. 2.

[62]Submission 17, p. 4.

[63]Submission 65, p. 9.

[64]Dr Fotheringham, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 45.

[65]Submission 17, p. 4.

[66]Submission 65, p. 9.

[67]Mr Harker, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 21.

[68]Ms Gallagher, Committee Hansard, 1 February 2023, p. 56; Mr Barnes, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 1; Mr Menzel, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 21–23; and Mr Wood, Committee Hansard, 2 February 2023, p. 24.

[69]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[70]Mr Grudnoff, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19

[71]Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO Quarterly Energy Dynamics Q1 2023, April 2023.

[72]Australian Energy Regulator, AER Default market offer prices 2023–2024: Draft determination, March2023.

[73]Clare Savage, Chair of the AER, Radio National, ABC, 15 March 2023

[74]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[75]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[76]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[77]Mr Grudnoff, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[78]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[79]Mr Buckley, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 19.

[80]Ms Caniglia, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 29; Ms Dare, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 29; and Mr Dignam, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 30.

[81]Mr Dignam, Committee Hansard, 3 February 2023, p. 30; Submission 2, p. 2; Submission 34, p. 3; Submission 65, p. 7.

[82]The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, 'Joint Media Release: : $125 million investment to help Australians buy energy efficient homes', Media Release, 5 March 2023.

[83]The Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, 'Building Ministers support new home energy efficiency standards', Media Release, 26 August 2022.