Labor Adopts More of the Liberal Election Energy Policy

Media Release | 8 March 2026

Hon. Dr Steve Thomas MLC
Shadow Minister for Energy; Industrial Relations

Energy Shadow Minister Dr Steve Thomas says the Cook Labor Government has now adopted a second key commitment of the Liberal energy policy that was taken to the 2025 state election.

“It was revealed today the Cook Government is adopting a second stage of our previous policy by preparing to add 300 megawatts of gas generation capacity to the grid, as reported in The Sunday Times,” Dr Thomas said.

“This new revelation comes two days after the Minister for Energy Amber-Jade Sanderson walked away from the Government’s commitment to close down WAs state owned coal fired power stations on their current timeline of September 2029.

“Today it has been suggested that the Government is ‘preparing a business case to either build and operate a gas-fired power station and supply gas into the State’s main electricity grid, or purchase gas from a private operator under a supply agreement’.”

Dr Thomas said that the Cook Labor Government now appeared to have fully adopted the Liberal Party energy policy of allowing for an extension of coal generation until additional peak gas fired generation was in place to underpin the transition to a low emissions future.

“We are committed to deliver a transition to cleaner energy future that will keep the lights on and air conditioners running, and we will do so at a cost that consumers can afford,” Dr Thomas said.

“I have repeatedly said that we would extend the lifespan of existing coal generators, where necessary and where possible, until renewable energy supported by gas generation and energy storage can meet the needs of the state.

“They say that imitation is sincerest form of flattery, so I can only thank the Minister for Energy Amber-Jade Sanderson for this high compliment.

“However, the Government remains five to ten years behind its own plan for renewable energy development, and by delaying the essential Whole of System Plan by years it will only fall further behind.

“Today’s revelation is more proof that the Government’s energy transition is failing and action to fix it is now urgent.”

Media contact: Dr Steve Thomas 0427 908 717

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