7NEWS has unveiled significant shifts in the Coalition’s policy approach concerning energy, the economy, and the public service. Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien has signaled a departure from previous plans, notably scrapping government ownership of nuclear reactors and reevaluating a controversial electric vehicle scheme. The public service is also set for a transformation through increased efficiency driven by artificial intelligence.
In an exclusive discussion on the 7NEWS podcast, The Issue, Deputy Liberal Leader Ted O’Brien emphasized the urgency of addressing the cost of living as a primary political agenda. This comes in the wake of a recent inflation surge to 3.2%, which has dashed hopes for interest rate cuts before the holiday season.
Nuclear Energy Policy Revisions
As the former shadow energy minister under Peter Dutton, O’Brien has been a staunch advocate for nuclear energy. However, he acknowledges that the initial policy framework requires amendments, particularly regarding public ownership of nuclear assets.
“My views on nuclear energy have not changed … but there are going to be changes,” O’Brien stated on The Issue. “One of the areas of feedback we have had is concern about our plan being public ownership of those assets. We’re listening to those concerns, but I won’t pre-empt the final conclusion, which will come out within due course.”
O’Brien reiterated the necessity of lifting the moratorium on nuclear energy, underscoring that it remains a consistent element of the Coalition’s energy strategy.
Streamlining the Public Service
The Coalition’s previous proposal to cut 41,000 public service jobs and reduce remote working arrangements was a contentious issue during the last federal election. Reflecting on the lessons learned, O’Brien emphasized a shift towards enhancing efficiency rather than implementing mass cuts.
“There’s no doubt there is absolutely room for efficiency and that should always be a priority of any government,” he noted. “With a future Coalition government, we should be looking at efficiency right throughout government, but that’s a very different thing from talking about any sort of mass cuts.”
He advocates for the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence within the public sector to improve productivity and service delivery.
“There will need to be a greater take up in a sensible, safe way,” he added. “I am pro-technology and we need to ensure that we own the opportunity. I think this government has been completely on the back foot with this.”
Opposition to Electric Vehicle Tax Exemptions
The Coalition is poised to challenge Labor’s tax exemptions for electric vehicles, which have been criticized for disproportionately benefiting higher-income earners. The scheme has seen approximately 100,000 drivers adopt novated leases.
“The more money you make, the more the taxpayer subsidises your leasing of electric vehicles,” O’Brien explained. “A lawyer gets a cheaper car to lease than a nurse, even though the lawyer makes far more money, over double the money. The cost of this program has blown out tenfold. It is one of the least economically efficient ways to reduce emissions.”
O’Brien argues that the current government remains committed to the scheme despite its inequities. The debate over these policies continues as 7NEWS extends an invitation to Treasurer Jim Chalmers to discuss these issues further on The Issue.
The announcement of these policy shifts comes at a critical time, as the Coalition seeks to redefine its stance on key issues amid economic challenges. The implications of these changes will likely influence the political landscape as the nation navigates its economic recovery.
