The peak body for energy retailers and generators, the Australian Energy Council, congratulates the Hon Reece Whitby MLA on his appointment as Energy Minister and acknowledges the work of the Hon Bill Johnston MLA during his stewardship of the portfolio.
The Australian Energy Council's Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said, "Reece Whitby takes on this role at a critical juncture as Western Australia continues to implement its energy strategy and deals with the challenges thrown up by the ongoing transition to a lower carbon power system.
"The Minister's previous experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Minister for Energy, as well as his existing responsibilities in the Environment and Climate Action portfolios will prove invaluable.
"Energy, climate and environment policy are closely aligned, with the electricity sector leading decarbonisation efforts nationally. We wish Mr Whitby well in this new role and look forward to the opportunity to work with him.
"I would also like to thank Bill Johnston and recognise the pivotal role he has played in our sector. He was a respected leader and long-serving minister who made a point of developing strong stakeholder relationships and understood the challenges of a market in transition."
About the Australian Energy Council
The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.
