The peak body for energy retailers and generators, the Australian Energy Council, congratulates the Hon Reece Whitby MLA on his appointment as Energy Minister and acknowledges the work of the Hon Bill Johnston MLA during his stewardship of the portfolio.
The Australian Energy Council’s Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said, “Reece Whitby takes on this role at a critical juncture as Western Australia continues to implement its energy strategy and deals with the challenges thrown up by the ongoing transition to a lower carbon power system.
“The Minister’s previous experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Minister for Energy, as well as his existing responsibilities in the Environment and Climate Action portfolios will prove invaluable.
“Energy, climate and environment policy are closely aligned, with the electricity sector leading decarbonisation efforts nationally. We wish Mr Whitby well in this new role and look forward to the opportunity to work with him.
“I would also like to thank Bill Johnston and recognise the pivotal role he has played in our sector. He was a respected leader and long-serving minister who made a point of developing strong stakeholder relationships and understood the challenges of a market in transition.”
About the Australian Energy Council
The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.
Our organisations, cooperating through the Australian Climate Roundtable, represent a broad cross-section of Australian society.
The peak body for electricity generators and retailers, the Australian Energy Council has welcomed the release of the Climate Change Authority's Sector Pathways Review which supports the need for a whole of economy effort to reach Australia's net zero ambitions.
As Australia's energy and climate ministers prepare to meet this week, our organisations reinforce the importance of a certain, credible and consistent policy framework to business, industry and investors; the community sector; consumers; advocates for the environment; farmers; people and communities experiencing disadvantage; property and the built environment; and workers.
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