It said active cooperation between governments was needed to break an impasse on critical issues, saying the domestic energy industry needed to invest some $30 billion over the next 15 years to meet the increasing demand for electricity and gas.
“It is difficult to express how disappointed the energy industry is with today’s outcome,” said esaa chief executive officer Brad Page on Friday.
The state and territory ministers released a statement saying none of them would support a policy which forced business to submit access undertakings to the ACCC which would institutionalize duplication of enforcement, regulation and rule making.
The ministers resolved not to progress the National Regulatory Framework for Distribution and Retail until the long term funding for the Australian Energy market Commission and the Australian Energy Regulator was in place.
“At a time when Australia’s infrastructure needs are the subject of national debate, today’s Ministerial announcements are not helping to deliver the essential timely investment in new energy supply infrastructure,” said Page.
“What we need is active cooperation between the governments and full consultation with the energy industry to achieve the best set of arrangement for the benefit of all Australians.
“esaa urges Energy Ministers to get back to the table quickly and keep this vital set of national reforms progressing. We simply don’t have time to waste,” said Page.
