As the New South Wales Labor Government commences, the Australian Energy Council (AEC) has congratulated the incoming New South Wales Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Environment and Heritage.
Penny Sharpe has been awarded the appointment of incoming New South Wales Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Environment and Heritage.
Ms Sharpe will also be leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and is the first woman in New South Wales to hold that position, and its first female Energy Minister.
The AEC’s Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said she was delighted to see a female politician of Ms Sharpe’s experience and calibre appointed to the critical energy and climate change portfolios.
“The energy market transition is well underway, but there are many important challenges to meet on the path to net zero by 2050,” Ms McNamara said.
“The New South Wales Government is also keenly aware of the need to support New South Wales homes and businesses as they deal with upward pressure on energy prices and general cost of living pressures.”
The AEC also thanked outgoing New South Wales energy minister, Matt Kean, for his role in overseeing the state’s energy transition during a challenging period. Mr Kean has left a significant body of energy market reform for the new administration to progress, in particular the New South Wales Electricity Roadmap.
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said he is proud of the team he has assembled for his government.
Mr Minns said there is a lot of hard work ahead for the State Government, with big responsibilities, but that he and his team are up to the challenge.
“We have a clear mandate from the people of New South Wales to rebuild essential services, to invest in the people who look after New South Wales – nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police officers,” Mr Minns said.
“The priority is to help families and households deal with the increasing cost of living, the energy crisis and to fix schools and hospitals.”
