Frydenberg appointment welcomed by industry

Josh Frydenberg has been announced as the Turnbull government’s new Minister for the Environment and Energy, having taken over the Environment portfolio from Greg Hunt.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Frydenberg paid tribute to his predecessor, saying Hunt has been “recognised domestically and internationally for his real leadership in promoting better environmental outcomes”. He also congratulated Senator Matt Canavan on being appointed Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.

Members of the energy industry have reacted positively to the appointment, with the Australian Solar Council noting that Frydenberg already has a strong understanding of the important role solar and storage will increasingly play in Australia’s energy market.

“Combining the energy and climate change portfolios allows the Turnbull government to refocus its efforts on decarbonising the energy sector through a significant increase in the use of solar, storage and renewable energy technologies,” the council said in a statement.

The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) has also shown its approval. The association’s president, Miranda Ransome, stated, “A number of WMMA members are actively involved in examining how the waste produced by our communities can be turned into viable alternative energy sources, and this decision by the Prime Minister is recognition of these efforts.”

Frydenberg said he looks forward to “working with key stakeholders to ensure Australia’s world-class environment is protected and enhanced”.

“As we transition to a lower emissions economy, I’m also focused on ensuring Australia has a stable and secure energy supply, capitalising on new energy-efficient technologies,” he concluded.