The peak body for energy retailers and generators, the Australian Energy Council, congratulates the Hon Penny Sharpe, MLC on her appointment as NSW Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Environment and Heritage. Minister Sharpe will also be Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and is the first woman in NSW to hold that position, and its first female energy minister.
The AEC also thanked outgoing Energy Minister Matt Kean for his role in overseeing the state's energy transition during a challenging period. Minister Kean has left a significant body of energy market reform for the new administration to progress, in particular the NSW Electricity Roadmap.
The Australian Energy Council's Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said "I am delighted to see a female politician of Minister Sharpe's experience and calibre appointed to the critical energy and climate change portfolios. The energy market transition is well underway, but we have many important challenges to meet on the path to Net Zero by 2050. We are also keenly aware of the need to support NSW homes and businesses as they deal with upward pressure on energy prices and general cost of living pressures.
"How NSW manages its policy settings and decarbonisation also impacts other jurisdictions, both in terms of maintaining the stability of the National Electricity Market and assisting in Australia's ability to meet its international climate change commitments.
"We wish the Minister every success in her roles and look forward to the opportunity to working with the Minister and the NSW Government on delivering the energy market transition for the benefit of customers."
