Australia is now witnessing the direct consequences of the Albanese Labor Government and Chris “Blackout” Bowen’s energy policies. For years, experts, industry voices, and regional communities have warned that aggressively shutting down coal-fired power stations without reliable replacements would lead to instability. Today, that warning is becoming a reality—through rising blackout risks and soaring electricity prices.

Take the Eraring Coal-Fired Power Station in New South Wales as a prime example. As the largest coal-fired power station in the nation, Eraring supplies around 25% of New South Wales’ electricity. Its contribution isn’t theoretical—it’s essential. Removing that much reliable baseload power without a proven, consistent alternative places enormous strain on the grid and on household budgets.

The truth is simple: closing down coal-fired power stations before securing dependable, affordable replacements is reckless. Instead of dismantling what works, Australia should be focusing on protecting, restoring, and modernising the assets we already have—while planning for long-term solutions that don’t compromise energy stability.

Cheap, reliable electricity doesn’t appear out of thin air. It must be generated, delivered, and safeguarded through responsible policy decisions. Coal has long been the backbone of Australia’s energy system, and Australian coal—particularly from regions like the Hunter—continues to be among the highest-quality, most efficiently produced in the world.

If leaders are serious about keeping the lights on, keeping prices under control, and supporting Australian jobs, then the path is clear: maintain and strengthen our coal-fired power capabilities while building toward a realistic, stable future. Anything less is an energy gamble Australians cannot afford.