Australian voters were betrayed on energy prices, but not by Labor’s budget

‘Somewhere between his parliamentary office, the budget lock-up, the television and radio studios of the press gallery and his Canberra accommodation, Dutton detected shock across the Australian community.’ Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Let’s start with the obvious. When it comes to soaring energy prices, Labor is in a tight spot.

During the election campaign, and in the months before, Anthony Albanese said Labor’s powering Australia policy would lead to lower power prices. More renewables in the market would reduce household energy bills by $275 by 2025.