Tuesday 4 November 2025

E&OE

Question: 

We've got a rates decision coming up today. We saw the recent inflation figures. I guess what do you make of them and the fact that it's likely to be a hold? 

Tim Wilson MP: 

It was very clear that the Government is the key driver of ongoing inflation pressure in the Australian economy. When you have state and federal governments who spend with gay abandon without any sense of restraint, they're only borrowing from the future to push up prices today. That pushes up inflation, which means it keeps upward pressure on interest rates. That's why Australians will continue to do it tough. Australians will continue to do it tough because the Albanese Government can't pull its belt in, can't make tough decisions and isn't interested in improving household finances.

Question: 

Speaking of tough decisions, your Party is still to make one around energy policy. Where would you like to see the Liberals land when it comes to net zero? 

Tim Wilson MP: 

I've always said I believe, I want a Liberal Party to find a position that achieves net zero price increases and net zero outages because that's the pathway to get permission for emissions reduction. The Institute of Public Affairs itself has done a poll showing 58% of Australians believe in a pausing of a net zero target to achieve more reliable power. That's what Australians want. So we need a policy that works things in sequence. Currently the Labor Party's position is to have, well they claim they're going to deliver lower prices, lower emissions and of course lower unreliability. What they've actually delivered is higher prices, higher emissions and higher unreliabilty and with it of course they've corroded support amongst the community for emissions reduction in the process.

Question:

Obviously we saw the Nats come out with their decision on net zero over the weekend. What sort of pressure does that put on your party to come to a decision more quickly?

Tim Wilson MP: 

Well The National Party will make their own decisions. We're the Liberal Party, we're not Nationals-lite, we will make our own decision. And Sussan Ley demonstrated very clearly what leadership looks like in May of this year. The National Party walked away from the Coalition briefly and she stood her ground and of course she understood that once you lose moral authority it's very hard to get back. So she's shown the way before and I'm sure she'll show the way again.

Question: 

So you have confidence that she'll be able to lead your party to a decision?

Tim Wilson MP: 

I'm absolutely confident that Sussan will show clear leadership in standing up for the Liberal Party to have its position as a Party defined by our values and to prosecute a course forward to build Australia's clean industrial future. 

ENDS