Lambie criticizes $150 energy subsidy as ineffective

Jacqui Lambie, a senator from Tasmania, criticized the government's recent announcement to provide another $150 subsidy for electricity bills. She expressed concern that the plan is not means tested, meaning it is not based on income or need. The government will offer this relief to households starting mid-year. This new measure will cost around $1.8 billion and will be automatically applied to electricity bills in quarterly payments. Lambie argued that giving money back to people does not address the core issues of high energy costs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the budget is facing challenges, as it prepares to announce a decade of deficits. He mentioned that the upcoming budget will include $2.1 billion in savings but also significant new spending. A group of independent senators and manufacturers are urging the government to redirect uncontracted gas to the domestic market, claiming this could lower energy bills. They believe that the current situation stems from prioritizing gas exports over local needs. Lambie believes the government's approach won't solve the energy crisis and has called for a policy to reserve gas for domestic use. The focus now shifts to the upcoming federal budget discussions.