Hume battle heats up as candidates Penny Ackery and Angus Taylor clash over climate policy

Independent candidate Penny Ackery has taken aim at Hume MP and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions reduction Angus Taylor over increased investment in gas projects.

Mr Taylor on Tuesday unveiled a plan to inject an additional $50.3 million into the Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework (NGIP) aimed at 'protecting Australia from potential energy shortages, keeping pressure on prices and creating jobs in regional Australia.'

So far seven projects have been identified, two in Victoria, three in Queensland, one across the East Coast and one in Northern Territory, the controversial Beetaloo Basin.

Ms Ackery, who has previously declared she'll make climate change a focus of her campaign, accused Mr Taylor of using the energy crisis in Europe as an excuse to invest in what she labeled a 'stranded asset.'

"What does it take for Angus Taylor to take climate change seriously," she said.

"On the same day the head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, singled out Australia for special attention as a "holdout" on climate change, Mr Taylor uses the excuse of the energy crisis in Europe to announce $50 million to accelerate seven gas projects.

"Mr Taylor is putting our money into technology that is destined to become a stranded asset."

The Hume MP hit back however, claiming that gas would 'complement' renewable technology and people would be paying more for basics if gas supply was cut.

"Those opposing gas should explain why Australians should have to pay more for their food or their electricity which is what would happen if cuts to gas supply were to happen," he told the Post.

"We don't want a situation where the people of Hume are paying more for everyday essentials like heating, hot water and cooking.

"Gas provides the firmed electricity generation that we need to balance the record levels of supply from solar and wind. It provides flexible, reliable and affordable generation. Far from competing with renewables, it complements them."

Voters will have the chance to quiz candidates on issues such as climate policy at an upcoming Meet the Candidates night moderated by former Canberra Times editor Michelle Gratton.

A date and time will be unveiled after the federal election is called.

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