Victorian election promises
Energy policies and promises at the 2026 Victorian election
What each side says on power bills, gas and renewables: first from their own policy pages and releases, then as quoted in the ads they've paid for. Labor 1, Liberal 1, Nationals 5, Independents 1.
From the parties' own policies
Summaries of each party's policy pages and releases, in their words, with what they commit to. Follow the link for the full policy.
Not here yet: One Nation. We can't read their policy pages automatically, so read them on their own sites; what they say in their ads is below.
Victorian Government
Expanded battery collection points across Victoria
The Victorian Government says it is providing $1.7 million through Round 4 of the Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund so councils and registered charities can establish battery drop-off locations. Grants of up to $22,000 are available to support purchase, installation and promotion of drop-off units.
- Provide $1.7 million through Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund Round 4
- Offer grants of up to $22,000 to local councils and registered charities
- Fund purchase, installation and promotion of battery drop-off units
- Funded facilities to accept batteries up to 60 kg
Round 3 of 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program
The Victorian Government says Round 3 of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, backed by $6.6 million, will fund more neighbourhood-scale batteries across Victoria. Grants of up to $400,000 per battery are available, with applications opening from 15 July 2025, and it says the batteries will help lower energy bills and provide back-up power.
- Fund more neighbourhood batteries across Victoria under Round 3
- Grants of up to $400,000 per battery
- Applications open from Tuesday 15 July
- Bring total number of batteries to over 100
- Batteries expected to cut tenants' bills by $200 a year
Fast-track Tarrone battery energy storage project
The Victorian Labor Government says it has fast-tracked the Global Power Generation battery energy storage project at Tarrone through its Development Facilitation Program. The government says the battery will store renewable energy and supply around 69,000 households at peak demand.
- Fast-track Tarrone battery energy storage system through Development Facilitation Program
- Battery to store up to 200MWh of energy
- Capacity to supply around 69,000 households at peak demand
- Expected to create more than 100 construction jobs and two ongoing roles
State Electricity Commission supplies renewable power to public services and businesses
The Victorian Government says the State Electricity Commission (SEC) is now supplying 100 percent renewable electricity to Victoria's schools, hospitals, museums, trains, trams and traffic lights from 1 July 2025. It says the SEC will later this year extend a renewable retail offer to medium and large Victorian businesses.
- Power Victoria's schools, hospitals, museums, trains and trams with 100 percent renewable electricity
- Expand SEC retail offer to medium and large Victorian businesses later this year
- Offer demand management and behind-the-meter solutions to businesses
- Retail electricity from SEC projects and Victorian Renewable Energy Auction contracts
- Reinvest all SEC returns back into Victoria
Approve Donald Mineral Sands Project work plan
The Victorian Government says Resources Victoria has approved Astron Corporation's Donald Mineral Sands Project work plan, allowing construction to start. The approval would permit mining of 7.5 million tonnes of mineral sands per year for 19 years, with conditions on rehabilitation and public real-time dust monitoring.
- Mine 7.5 million tonnes of mineral sands per year for 19 years
- Require progressive rehabilitation of the mine site
- Require real-time dust level data published on the company's website for the life of the project
Grants for food and beverage manufacturers to switch to electric equipment
The Victorian Government says it is offering $10 million in Round 3 Energy Innovation Fund grants of up to $2 million per business to food and beverage manufacturers to replace gas equipment with efficient electric alternatives. It also says it is investing $5 million in free training for plumbers, electricians and construction workers.
- Offer $10 million in Round 3 Energy Innovation Fund grants
- Grants of up to $2 million per business for electric alternatives
- Invest $5 million in free training for plumbers, electricians and construction workers
Victorian Greens
Biodiversity protection framework and native vegetation clearing limits
The Victorian Greens say they would review environmental legislation, pass laws to prevent damaging actions, and establish a statewide biodiversity framework with dedicated funding. They also propose ending broad-scale clearing of native vegetation and expanding protected areas, with no timeline stated on the page.
- Review all current environmental legislation for effectiveness
- Establish a comprehensive statewide biodiversity framework with a funding mechanism
- End broad-scale clearing and incremental loss of native vegetation
- Develop a representative system of terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas
- Increase and enforce penalties for killing or capturing threatened species
Greens Power Voucher and renter energy assessments
The Greens say they will introduce Greens Power Vouchers worth up to $1500 for owner-occupiers and $3000 for renters, for upgrades such as solar, insulation and efficient appliances. They also propose free accredited energy assessments for rental homes and fast-tracked rules for plug-in balcony solar, with no timeline beyond 2027 stated for the vouchers.
- Greens Power Vouchers worth up to $1500 for owner-occupiers
- Greens Power Vouchers worth up to $3000 for renters
- Free accredited in-home energy assessments for rental homes
- Fast-track regulations for plug-in balcony solar systems in 2027
- Change planning rules so new apartments are balcony solar ready
Moratorium on new AI data centres in Victoria
The Victorian Greens say they would impose an immediate moratorium on all new AI data centres until communities can consider risks and benefits and strong protective laws exist. They also say they would require compensation for affected residents, stricter consultation, renewable-only power and water and environmental standards.
- Immediate moratorium on all new AI data centres
- Data centre companies compensate affected residents for noise, pollution and property value loss
- Data centres run off 100% newly built renewable energy
- Ban gas turbines and diesel backup generators at data centres
- Strict environmental and water standards for data centres
Renewable energy transition and public energy ownership policy
The Victorian Greens say they aim for binding emissions targets reaching zero or net negative from the stationary energy sector by 2030 at the latest, and a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy. They propose publicly or community-owned generation and storage, government-backed household efficiency and solar loans, and an end to public funding for the existing fossil fuel industry.
- Binding Victorian stationary energy emissions targets reaching zero or net negative no later than 2030
- Rapid transition to 100% renewable energy while maintaining grid stability
- Publicly and community-owned solar, wind and renewable generation projects across Victoria
- Significant investment in publicly owned pumped hydro and big batteries
- Government-backed loan schemes for efficiency upgrades, solar panels and batteries, repayable when the home is sold
Immediate moratorium on new data centre approvals
The Victorian Greens call on Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to reject all nine pending data centre applications before the government enters caretaker mode. They also call for an immediate moratorium on new data centre approvals and meaningful compensation for residents affected by existing facilities.
- Reject all nine pending data centre applications before caretaker mode
- Impose an immediate moratorium on new data centre approvals
- Provide meaningful compensation for residents impacted by existing facilities
Animal Justice Party
New federal environmental laws and Commonwealth environment agencies
The Animal Justice Party says it would introduce new federal environmental laws to deal with climate change and land clearing, and establish a Commonwealth Environment Commission and a Commonwealth Environmental Protection Agency. It also proposes legal recognition of the Rights of Nature and wider citizen and community group participation in environmental decisions.
- Introduce new federal environmental laws covering climate change and land clearing
- Establish a Commonwealth Environment Commission to implement bioregional plans and standards
- Establish a Commonwealth Environmental Protection Agency with resources to monitor and enforce
- Enshrine community groups' ability to litigate on behalf of nature
- Legally recognise the inherent Rights of Nature, including the right to survive and be restored
Phase out natural gas use within 15 to 20 years
The Animal Justice Party says there should be no expansion of natural gas use, including coal seam gas, and that current use should be rapidly phased out in favour of clean energy within 15 to 20 years. It argues fossil fuels, including gas with carbon capture, will not be part of a final clean energy solution.
- No expansion of natural gas use, including coal seam gas
- Rapidly phase out current natural gas use within 15 to 20 years
- Replace gas with clean energy technologies
Rapid transition to carbon-free energy with animal impact criteria
The Animal Justice Party says it would rapidly transition Australia to carbon-free energy within 15 to 20 years, including animal and environmental impacts in energy selection criteria. It says it would invest in new clean animal-friendly energy technologies and implement a climate tax on fossil fuel and animal agriculture industries.
- Include impact on animals and environment in selection criteria for all energy sources
- Rapidly transition to carbon-free energy infrastructure within 15 to 20 years
- Invest in development of new clean animal-friendly energy technologies
- Implement a climate tax on fossil fuel and animal agriculture industries
- Cannot be part of solution: natural gas, biofuels and expanded hydroelectricity in Australia
Water management prioritising environment, animals and people
The Animal Justice Party says it supports climate-responsive water management that prioritises animals, the environment and people over commercial interests. It says it wants to move from animal agriculture toward water-efficient plant-based agriculture, and to make water allocation independent, fair and transparent.
- Remove water subsidies for animal agriculture, including feed crops
- Prosecute those profiting from large-scale water theft
- Grant legal personhood to significant water systems such as the Murray Darling, Lake Eyre and Fitzroy River
- Increase the number of protected water systems, including Ramsar wetlands
- Critically assess dams and floodplain harvesting infrastructure against water usage and cumulative impact
Libertarian Party
Free market energy with nuclear, fossil fuels and interconnectors
The Libertarian Party of Victoria says it would create a free market in energy, make net-zero voluntary, legalise nuclear power and unlock coal, gas, oil and uranium. It also says it would scrap energy subsidies, fast-track interconnectors and replace Victoria's energy regulation with national energy rules.
- Create a true free market in energy with no government ownership
- Make net-zero voluntary, not mandatory
- Repeal the ban on nuclear power
- Unlock coal, gas, oil and uranium extraction and supply
- Scrap all energy subsidies
Free up energy production and drop net zero mandates
The Victorian Libertarian Party says it would make net-zero voluntary rather than mandatory and allow all energy technologies, including coal, gas, wind, geothermal, solar and nuclear. It says it would cut a $1 billion corporate energy welfare program, lift the nuclear prohibition and reduce red tape so energy companies compete.
- Allow all energy technologies, including coal, gas, wind, geothermal, solar and nuclear
- Cut the $1 billion corporate energy welfare program
- Remove nuclear prohibition
- Slash red tape so energy companies compete
The Nationals
Living Soils Centre of Excellence for Soils
The Liberals and Nationals say a Jess Wilson-led government would invest $5 million to establish Living Soils, a Centre of Excellence for Soils, bringing farmers, universities and industry together on soil health and farm productivity. The proposed centre would be based in the Wimmera with a regional focus.
- Invest $5 million to establish Living Soils – Centre of Excellence for Soils
- Base the proposed Centre of Excellence in the Wimmera
- Bring farmers, universities and Research and Development Corporations together on research
Minimum power reliability standard and conventional gas exploration
The Liberals and Nationals say they would reopen conventional gas exploration and write a minimum power reliability standard into AusNet's licence for regional communities, at no cost to taxpayers. They also say they would scrap Labor's restrictions on new gas connections within 100 days.
- Reopen conventional gas exploration in Victoria
- Write a minimum power reliability standard into AusNet's licence
- Scrap Labor's restrictions on new gas connections within 100 days
- Invite producers to explore conventional gas in the Otway and Gippsland basins
Family First
Energy mix based on coal, gas and nuclear
Family First says it would ensure Australia's energy needs are met by ending Net Zero targets, abolishing renewable subsidies, and expanding coal, gas and nuclear power. The party says this would support affordable, secure and reliable energy for families and businesses.
- End the Net Zero targets
- Abolish renewable subsidies
- Withdraw Australia from the Paris Climate Accord
- Keep all remaining coal fired power stations open and operational
- Support development of nuclear power
Victorian Labor
Two-kilometre buffer for new waste-to-energy projects near homes
Victorian Labor says a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will introduce a 2-kilometre buffer between new waste-to-energy project boundaries and existing homes. The buffer would not apply to currently operating facilities. A comprehensive government response to a parliamentary inquiry report will be delivered in 2027.
- Introduce a 2-kilometre buffer between new waste-to-energy project boundaries and existing homes
- Buffer would not apply to currently operating facilities
- Deliver a comprehensive government response to the inquiry report in 2027
Victorian Socialists
Public ownership and a price cap for electricity and gas
The Victorian Socialists say they would cap household electricity and gas prices, wipe existing utility debts, and bring Victoria's energy infrastructure into public ownership, starting with distribution networks. They also say they would pursue a 100 percent renewable grid with public investment in storage and wind and solar generation.
- Introduce an immediate cap on household electricity and gas prices
- Wipe all existing household utility debts and arrears
- Take energy infrastructure into public ownership, starting with distribution networks
- Establish a publicly owned, not-for-profit energy operator
- Accelerate transition to a 100 percent renewable energy grid
In their ads
Labor 1 promise
Waste to energy facility
A re-elected Carroll Labor Government will implement a 2-kilometre buffer zone, therefore ruling out the proposed Sunbury site.
Liberal 1 promise
Gas ban
Our Plan will scrap Labor's gas ban.
Nationals 5 promises
Energy reliability standard
THE NATIONALS WILL MAKE SURE WE keep the power on WITH A MINIMUM ENERGY RELIABILITY STANDARD.
Land access laws
Protect landholders’ rights by repealing Labor’s Forced Land Access laws.
Planning appeal rights
Restore communities’ rights to appeal planning decisions.
Renewable projects buffer
Reinstate the 2km buffer from residential properties.
Solar parks
Establish urban solar parks to direct projects to appropriate industrial zones.
Independents 1 promise
Energy upgrade subsidies
Low and middle income households would be eligible for a subsidy of up to $6,000.
No energy promises in ads from Greens or Minor parties yet. That's what they've advertised, not necessarily their policy.
Recent votes in parliament on energy
What MPs actually voted for, from Hansard.
Energy and Resources Legislation Amendment (VEET Strategic Review and Other Matters) Bill 2026: second reading
Defeated 14 to 20
Energy and Resources Legislation Amendment (VEET Strategic Review and Other Matters) Bill 2026: second reading
Voting yes supported keeping the original wording of the second reading motion for the Energy and Resources Legislation Amendment (VEET Strategic Review and Other Matters) Bill 2026, which rejects the proposed amendment.
Passed 52 to 26
National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025: committee
Voting yes meant supporting the amendments proposed to the National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025 being made in committee, which was defeated.
Defeated 7 to 29
National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025: committee
Voting yes supported making the amendment to the National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025 during committee, though the amendment's content is not described here.
Defeated 15 to 21
National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025: committee
Voting yes supported making the amendments to the National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025 during committee, though the specific changes are not described here.
Defeated 14 to 22
National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025: committee
Voting yes supported making an amendment to the National Gas (Victoria) Amendment Bill 2025 during committee, though the amendment's details are not provided.
Defeated 14 to 22
Other topics
- Health
- Cost of living
- Housing
- Crime and safety
- Education
- Transport and infrastructure
- Economy and tax
- All victorian election promises
Policy summaries are written by AI from each party's own page and checked against it; every commitment listed appears on the page. Ad quotes are taken from the ads' text and video by AI and grouped by subject; "See the ad" opens the original. How this works.