Energy Networks Australia (ENA) today released its election ‘wish list’ outlining six critical Commonwealth policy measures to ensure a reliable, affordable, and low-emissions energy future.

Key among the recommendations in ENA’s Powering our Future: Six Commonwealth election commitments for a stronger Australia is an urgent call for the removal of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on compensation payments to landholders hosting essential transmission infrastructure.

ENA and transmission member CEOs this week issued a joint letter to this effect to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, to consider the matter as part of their election commitments.

“These are once-in-a-century, nation-building projects — but we’re applying a one-size-fits-all tax that was never designed with this in mind,” said Energy Networks Australia CEO Dom van den Berg.

“The fair solution would be applying an exemption to CGT for landowners who receive compensation for land and easements. We need logic and common-sense approaches to deliver these projects, not catch-all taxes that slow us down and shortchange landowners.”

The full Powering our Future paper details six key recommendations aimed at accelerating Australia’s energy transition and securing a stronger, more sustainable future for all Australians:

1. Power the transition through transmission: Secure the future of the Rewiring the Nation fund to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.
2. Give landholders a fair deal at tax time: Exempt landholder compensation payments from CGT.
3. Get street smart: Accelerate electric vehicle charging that’s accessible to everyone: Enable networks to install EV chargers on power poles for faster and cheaper kerbside charging.
4. Soak up surplus solar and lower costs for all customers: Introduce a waiver for networks to roll out larger grid-connected batteries.
5. Secure the critical role of gas in the whole energy system: Modernise market frameworks to support investment in gas peaking and long-duration storage.
6. Make renewable gas for industry a reality: Introduce a national renewable gas target for industry.

“Australia’s energy transition is at a crucial juncture. The decisions made by the next Commonwealth Government will shape our energy future for decades to come. We urge all parties to consider our recommendations and commit to building a stronger, more sustainable energy system for all Australians,” said van den Berg.

Read: Powering our Future: Six Commonwealth election commitments for a stronger Australia

Read: ENA / Transmission CGT Letter  

ENDS

Media Contact: Claire Ginn cginn@energynetworks.com.au 0409246966