Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected Opposition attacks on rising power prices and defended his government’s handling of borders, antisemitism, and regional security during a wide-ranging interview on ABC Radio Sydney.
Albanese accused the Liberal Party of “capitulating” to the Nationals on energy policy, arguing the Opposition had abandoned business confidence and climate science. He said Sussan Ley’s leadership had taken the party “backwards” and dismissed its ability to present a credible plan to lower power bills.
The Prime Minister said his government’s energy rebates and market intervention during the 1970s-scale global price spike were proof it was acting to ease pressure on households. He insisted renewable energy remained the cheapest new form of power despite criticism over his 2022 pledge that bills would fall by $275 by 2025.
“What I’m comfortable in doing is making it very clear that the cheapest form of new energy is renewables,” he said.
“If you stop new forms of energy coming online, you will have less supply, and if you have less supply, you will have higher costs.”
Albanese blamed the previous government for allowing 24 out of 28 coal-fired power stations to announce closures or bring shutdown dates forward, arguing their inaction had left Australia vulnerable to higher prices.
On antisemitism, Albanese confirmed his government had accepted the Segal Review’s recommendation to screen visa applicants for antisemitic views, following a Nazi rally in Sydney. He said several measures had already been implemented, including outlawing Nazi symbols and boosting security funding for Jewish schools and synagogues.
The Prime Minister also backed the Australian Border Force after reports officers had bought fishing boats and handed them to people smugglers during turn-back operations. “I support the Australian Border Force undertaking what actions they believe are necessary to secure our borders,” he said, adding that consistency was crucial to maintaining confidence in Australia’s migration system.
Albanese defended the new security treaty with Indonesia, saying it built on the historic Keating–Suharto agreement and strengthened regional stability. He rejected claims secrecy around negotiations was designed to avoid interference from China or Russia.
The interview ended on a personal note, with Albanese refusing to reveal the date of his upcoming wedding to Jodie Haydon. He said details would be shared only after the ceremony, describing it as “a wonderful day… to celebrate our love in front of family and friends.”
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