Budget 2026-27 upholds commitments to delivering secure, affordable electricity as power system is rebuilt

Establishing the National EPA, progressing bilateral agreements and streamlining assessments will support utility-scale generation projects to get shovels in the ground sooner.

This year’s Budget recognises the role energy security and sovereignty must play in a turbulent geopolitical arena and the importance of sufficient supply being available as coal exits the system.

Jackie Trad, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, the peak body for the renewables sector, said that the industry’s greatest challenge is not a lack of funding or support from the Commonwealth, but bipartisan commitment at the state level, commitments to timelines and resolving regulatory barriers to new investment.

“Rebuilding the power system is not a simple exercise, but nor is it a zero-sum game. Regional communities wanting secure jobs, small businesses that want procurement, councils that want rates and manufacturers that want to supply equipment are all set to benefit from this transformation,” Ms Trad said.

“Without bipartisan support, every day of delay will make the energy transition more difficult and more expensive.

“We’re over halfway on progress towards delivering on our energy targets. Wind, solar, batteries, hydro and gas are providing a flexible, reliable and cost-effective solution for secure electricity right now. Cities and the country are working in partnership to do their fair share of the heavy lifting because we all recognise that electricity is essential," she said.

The CEC also welcomed other Budget commitments, including support for the Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter to decarbonise and transition to renewable energy, funding to implement the National Electricity Market Review, and further funding for continued implementation of the National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap.