THE state government plans to enshrine the State Electricity Commission (SEC) in Victoria’s Constitution.
Minister for the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the move would protect the SEC from political interference and stop the Liberal Party from “destroying” the SEC again. “This will give the SEC greater protection to follow through on its 10-year strategic plan and continue putting the best interest and value for Victorians at the centre of every decision,” she said. “Enshrining the SEC will guarantee a steady pipeline of renewable energy jobs and training opportunities with all profits made through the SEC to be invested back into renewable energy.” The SEC will invest an initial $1 billion towards delivering 4.5 gigawatts of power through new renewable energy and storage projects. Through its investments, the SEC will increase the amount of renewable in the market that the government says will help drive down power bills. The SEC strategy has three key pillars: investing in new renewable energy and storage projects, supporting households to go all-electric, and building the renewable energy workforce to drive Victoria’s energy transition. “Victoria’s next Big Build is the renewable energy transition – and the SEC will deliver the skills and training needed to secure Victoria’s pipeline of future energy workers,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. The SEC will announce its Pioneer Investment before the end of the year. To change the Constitution, the Parliament of Victoria must pass a bill to amend the Constitution Act 1975. Most amendments to the Constitution can be passed by simple majority. This means that it must be passed in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council by a majority of members present for the vote.
