Media Release – Senator Barnaby Joyce, 28 April 2010:
Senator Barnaby Joyce noted today that the release of the latest consumer price index figures show that electricity prices have increased by 26%, in real terms, since the election of the Rudd Government. These results are partly due to their Minister for Infrastructure’s complete failure to build on the Howard Government’s legacy of successful National Competition Policy, as shown by reports in the Australian Financial Review today.
Senator Joyce said that “The Labor party are incapable of decisive outcomes because of their insatiable desire to put polls ahead of statesmanship. Even their own core issues, such as the ETS, are jettisoned as the need requires.
“This government has shown that they cannot deliver on bread and butter issues such as infrastructure. The implausible and pathetic episodes of spending on the home insulation program and the building the education revolution are part and parcel of Australia’s debt currently reaching almost $137 billion. But real investment to bring real outcomes in power, water, roads and rail has been left wanting.
“Minister Albanese’s claim yesterday that the infrastructure reform agenda was “as full as it ever was” simply reflects the Rudd Government’s inaction in this important area. The COAG Reform Council has reported that this government is failing to progress reform in 4 out of 8 competition areas, including energy and transport.”
Reports today in the Australian Financial Review today suggest the government is trying to reinvigorate National Competition Policy.
In response Senator Joyce commented, “What has taken them almost three years? This government has been busy announcing flashy projects and big spending but ignored the hard work necessary to get more out of our existing infrastructure stock. We have waited 12 months for the National Freight Strategy and where is the greater transparency and cost-benefit analysis that this government promised? Greater efficiency, not bigger spending, is what will help reduce electricity, gas and water prices.”
Electricity prices have increased 11 per cent a year on average, in real terms, since the election of the Rudd Government. In comparison, during the Howard Government, electricity prices increased by an average of 0.5 per cent year, in real terms.
More Information- Jenny Swan 0746 251500
Barnaby Is Right 
Three words to terrify Rudd: ‘Brough for Griffith’. I am starting a campaign to challenge Rudd in his own seat. Please pass it on and pressure the Liberal Party to go after Rudd’s own seat.
One thing that needs to be remembered is that our industries generally and electricity infrastructure in particular have spent nearly three years now with planning on hold while waiting to see how Rudd’s ETS affected them.
Meanwhile, funds that have been invested in the expectation of Rudd’s ETS are now in limbo or down the gurgler.
The losses resulting from this will far outweigh the debacle we have seen in the insulation and schools program. Lack of advanced planning will increase the cost of electricity substantially.
All of these policiesshow that the Rudd government has not a clue about how an economy works, how things happen. They believe an economy can be operated by “command”.
That’s a very good point Ted.
Consider too, though, that some (much?) blame for the ETS debacle in AU going back several years now, can also be sheeted home directly to Malcolm Turnbull and his Goldman Sachs masters – for more info see below vis-a-vis Barnaby’s other media release.