This week Q+A looks at Australia’s energy crisis – what is the Government doing about it and what does it mean for you?

The east coast supply shortage is worsening with threats of possible power interruptions to NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and Tasmania this week. While the nation’s energy ministers agree there is no quick fix, they’re backing a longer-term plan to address the supply gap, which includes establishing a new gas storage reserve. The federal government has also given the green light for retailers to pay power providers to maintain extra capacity in case it is needed. Domestic electricity and gas prices have surged to unprecedented levels in recent months with several of the country’s ageing coal-fired power stations out of action and overseas gas prices skyrocketing due the war in Ukraine. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the immediate solution is to impose export volume and price controls but Energy Minister Chris Bowen says there’s “no silver bullet” solution to lower energy prices. Where does this leave Labor’s election promise for cheaper energy prices? And can state and federal governments work together to strengthen energy policy in Australia?  

The current crisis has highlighted the challenges associated with the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy. Labor’s Rewiring the Nation policy aims to connect renewables to the grid through a new $20 billion public corporation, part of its broader pledge to cut Australia’s emissions by 43% by 2030. Is this the best path forward? How will the new government work with the new parliament, which includes three new Greens MPs and seven independents, who were voted in on more ambitious climate targets?

The current rising energy costs add another layer of economic burden for Australians already struggling. How will the new government navigate its way through the current crisis?

Joining Virginia Trioli on the panel:

Chris Bowen, Minister for Energy and Climate Change
Zoe Daniel, Independent member for Goldstein 
Saul Griffith, Inventor, author, and scientist
Sarah McNamara, Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Council 
Tony Wood, Energy and Climate Change Program Director, Grattan Institute

Please submit a question via our website by 9am Thursday for the chance to ask the panel. 

Each week, Q+A selects our top question to highlight in the newsletter.

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Oliver Damian, who asked why mental health issues are so prevalent amongst those working in creative industries. 👇

Watch Q+A Thursday at 8.30pm on ABC TV, streamed live 8.30pm AEST on ABC iview or on our website.

Looking forward to hearing your questions.