Labor backs Greens plan to block Coalition from underwriting coal power

Labor and the Greens will attempt to prevent the Morrison government from underwriting new coal-fired power as the energy policy battle moves into its next phase.

The leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale,
 centre, speaks to the leader of the opposition in the Senate,
 Penny Wong.

Labor on Tuesday resolved to support a Greens bill stopping the commonwealth from providing financial assistance to coal-fired power plants, and there is an effort to secure the requisite parliamentary numbers for an upset as the Morrison government moves ahead with its controversial energy package. Negotiations are under way with crossbenchers in both chambers.

The government secured a rubber stamp from the Coalition party room on Tuesday for policy measures aimed to reduce power prices, including a contentious divestiture power, but Guardian Australia revealed on Monday night ministers had to rework the original proposal substantially to head off a backbench revolt.

Read the story from The Guardian by Katharine Murphy - “Labor backs Greens plan to block Coalition from underwriting coal power.”