Australia won't "rush" acting on controversial energy policy guidance, says minister

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The Australian government won't be rushed into introducing a set of energy policy recommendations set out by the nation's chief scientist earlier this month, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said on Sunday.

In order to reduce emissions while lowering the cost and securing the supply of electricity, Australia's chief scientist Alan Finkel urged the government to introduce a Clean Energy Target, following a number of blackouts ravaged a number of states over the recent summer months.

However, infighting within the Coalition party room stole headlines around the nation last Friday, with former prime minister Tony Abbott instigating a war of words about the recommendations, which he and other government ministers oppose.

Australia's Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg. /VCG Photo

But speaking to Sky News on Sunday afternoon, Frydenberg said the coalition government would carefully consider all of Finkel's recommendations, but will not be pressured into making any decisions which aren't fully informed.

"We've just got a comprehensive report, it's a delicate issue within the party room for obvious reasons because of its history," Frydenberg said.

"We have to proceed carefully, and I'm not going to be rushing the commonwealth's position or in any way pre-empting the party room's deliberations of this issue because my colleagues come first."

A sign regarding the extraction of coal seam gas erected near the town of Coonamble in north-west New South Wales, Australia, March 17, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The minister said he could not guarantee the government reaching a decision by the next coalition of Australian governments (COAG) meeting, set to be held in July.

"There are a number of steps that need to be gone through before this position can be landed, but it's much more important for the country that we get the policy right than meeting some arbitrary timetable and I think that's the key point," Frydenberg told Sky News.

"We've already started those discussions. Cabinet will have its own deliberations as well."

"These are very complex issues, there are a lot of different variables, everyone recognizes business as usual is not an option and that's why we have to get on with it."

(Source: Xinhua)

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