Coalition’s climate roll‑back could reshape Australia’s energy future and household bills

The Coalition’s energy plan would cancel offshore wind zones, scrap climate laws that apply to heavy industry and car makers, and try to lift the ban on nuclear power.

Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan said revoking the offshore wind zones along the Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Ocean and Bunbury coasts would be part of an eight‑point plan to unpick Australia's key climate policies.

Within 30 days of taking office, the Coalition would introduce a ‘scrap net‑zero’ bill, remove vehicle emissions standards and abolish the safeguard mechanism, Mr Taylor said.

The offshore wind zones were created to allow large wind farms to be built at sea, where winds are stronger and land use is not affected. Cancelling four of the six zones would leave only two coastal areas open for such projects.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen warned the plan would “take a chainsaw” to the economy and household budgets, saying it would make Australia poorer, weaker and less secure from global shocks.

The Coalition’s energy plan would cancel offshore wind zones, scrap climate laws that apply to heavy industry and car makers, and try to lift the ban on nuclear power.

Within 30 days of taking office, the Coalition would introduce a ‘scrap net‑zero’ bill, remove vehicle emissions standards and abolish the safeguard mechanism, Mr Taylor said.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen warned the plan would “take a chainsaw” to the economy and household budgets, saying it would make Australia poorer, weaker and less secure from global shocks.