Federal government commits $43m to Latrobe

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaking into press microphones (coalition)
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg

Federal Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg has issued a joint statement with other Victorian coalition MPs and ministers announcing a $43 million support package for the Latrobe Valley.

This funding is in response to ENGIE in Australia’s announcement that Hazelwood brown coal power station will close in five months.

The package includes $20 million for local infrastructure, $3 million assist employees and $20 million for a regional jobs and investment package to stimulate employment in the region.

Minister Frydenberg has sought advice from AEMO on how the closure of Hazelwood will affect the wider national energy market (NEM) as Hazelwood supplies 4 per cent of energy to the NEM, and the Victorian market in particular, to which it supplies between 22 and 25 per cent.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has created a ministerial committee to coordinate the government’s response, and it includes:

  • Minister for the Environment and Energy, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP (chair)
  • Minister for Regional Development, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash
  • Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Darren Chester MP
  • Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, and
  • Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash.
  • Ministers Frydenberg, Chester and Hunt all live in regional Victoria.

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