Council
30 May, 2025
Tehan named to Coalition frontbench
WANNON MP Dan Tehan has been named Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction under the newly reformed Federal Coalition.
The Liberals and Nationals reached an agreement on Wednesday to avoid splitting the Coalition partnership, which Nationals leader David Littleproud had announced was under consideration following Labor’s historic election victory.
In a statement following the unveiling of Liberals leader Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet, Mr Tehan said he would serve with the same vigour he had when appointed Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship from 2022.
“It is a great honour to be asked to serve in a portfolio area that is critical to Australia’s future,” he said.
“The current minister, Chris Bowen, can expect to be held to account like Andrew Giles was held to account in Immigration.”
Mr Tehan said Labor had failed on energy as household power bills around Australia were soaring.
“Labor promised a $275 reduction in household power bills by 2025,” he said.
“It is as clear as day that Minister Bowen has failed to deliver on that promise.
“Instead, the Australian Energy Regulator has confirmed Australian households are paying up to $1300 more for their electricity than promised – a damming indictment on Minister Bowen.
“Labor has also undermined Australia’s domestic gas industry, which has seen household gas prices increase by 34 per cent since Labor was elected.
“This is hurting households, manufacturers and small businesses and adding to the nation’s cost-of-living crisis.”
Mr Tehan said the Australian Labor Government’s approach to energy was “ideologically-driven, out of touch and arrogant”.
“The renewables-only agenda is driving up bills, delivering gas shortages and running roughshod over local communities,” he said.
“I have seen this firsthand in my electorate where Minister Bowen is trying to ram through an offshore wind zone off the coast of Warrnambool and Port Fairy despite strong objections from the local community.
“Meanwhile, emissions are flatlining.”
Mr Tehan said he will approach the frontbench role with a commitment to fleshing out an energy plan based on sound reasoning.
He will be doing so at a tumultuous time for the opposition, with the Coalition’s nuclear policy proving unpopular with voters while tensions within the Coalition are heightened on a number of key areas including net zero targets.
“Energy is critical to Australia’s prosperity,” Mr Tehan said.
“Australia needs an energy plan that is focused on scientific endeavour, technology and innovation in all areas of energy production.
“My job will be to work with my colleagues to develop that plan.”
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