Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action boss John Bradley abruptly quits amid green shift woes

Sky News AU

8 hours ago

Victoria's top energy and climate official has abruptly called it quits as pressure builds on the state's energy transition that has been riddled with issues over recent years.
John Bradley, the secretary of Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action since September 2017, sent an internal note stating he had informed Premier Jacinta Allan of his resignation.
'I've offered to remain in my role until the end of September, but will work with the Premier and secretary of DPC to confirm the transition arrangements,' Mr Bradley said in a note, per The Australian.
'Our DEECA staff tend to be on the 'front line' of big challenges. I know your work may often feel rewarding but it will not often feel 'easy'.'
His resignation sparked an attack from Victoria's shadow energy minister David Davis who slammed Labor's energy policies.
'Prices have surged for gas and electricity with another gas price surge of almost seven per cent due on Tuesday next week, and electricity prices far higher than just a few years ago," Mr Davis told SkyNews.com.au.
"Security of supply for both gas and electricity is also a serious challenge for Victoria after Labor's stint in government.
'The offshore wind debacle, and Labor's ideological commitment to a war on gas, have all contributed to serious looming challenges.
'The shoddy costing of the Victorian Transmission Plan, and the draconian and undemocratic approach to enforcing the Allan Labor Government's Transmission Plan, would give rise to concern by any wise, experienced, and independent senior public servant."
Mr Bradley's resignation comes as the state attempts to reach 40 per cent renewables in its energy mix this year, 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035.
The ambitious targets are complicated by the state's plans to wind back gas - which were reversed this week following widespread backlash.
The policy was part of a wider push to install electric heating models into homes.
Additional strain on the state's energy mix may come from its plans to shut down its major coal power stations, including Yallourn, over the coming years.
Mr Bradley said he would facilitate a smooth transition while the DEECA team continues on the state's net-zero path.
'I know this change comes at a busy time when our DEECA team members are working hard on delivery priorities, our big work program for 2025/26 and the drought response,' he said.
'I look forward to the chance to see you before I finish up.'
While Victoria flip-flops on gas, the state continues to have the highest use of residential gas in Australia, with an estimated 80 per cent of homes still connected to the gas network.
It was recently criticised by the bosses of two major Australian energy companies, with the boss of Santos likening Victoria's handling of gas development and its attitude towards investment to North Korea.
Meanwhile, Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods said getting gas projects approved in Victoria had 'been a challenge'.
'Victoria still have had quite a negative policy in terms of what the role of gas is in the state,' Mr Woods said on Sky News' Business Weekend.
'I think the recognition now, with industry shutting down and foreclosures and other things, (is) that they need more gas.
'We're ready to help, we just want to get after our projects so we can move them forward.'
SkyNews.com.au has reached out to DEECA for comment.