Federal Member For Dawson Appointed To Energy Policy Development Group

The Coalition has wasted no time returning to the policy table, meeting this week at Parliament House in Canberra.

Among those stepping into a key role is Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who has been appointed to a newly formed energy policy development group tasked with shaping the Coalition’s future direction on climate and energy. His inclusion signals a strong regional voice in the national conversation, with a clear focus on affordability, reliability and resource-backed solutions.

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has established a dedicated working group to develop practical, balanced and forward-thinking policy for energy. The group will be chaired by Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Dan Tehan and will include Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

“I am excited to be appointed to this working group, and I’m ready to take on the challenge to shape the Coalition’s energy policy for Australia,” Mr Willcox said.

“I envisage we will be engaging with a broad range of stakeholders from industry, agriculture, business and the scientific community. We need to ensure that Australia’s path forward balances energy costs and reliability with economic growth as well as environmental responsibility.”

When questioned about net zero and its future under the Coalition, Mr Willcox said this warrants further scrutiny.

“The Net Zero policy is one that we’ll be actively reviewing as we explore alternative, sensible options,” he said.

“Australia is abundant in energy resources, but we certainly aren’t using these resources to our advantage. Labor’s renewable-only policy is killing our economy and environment, so I’ll be pushing to develop policy that can provide reliable and affordable power, create jobs and strengthen Australia’s independence.”

The group will meet and work together over the coming months and report back to Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals Leader David Littleproud with policy recommendations later this year.

In addition to his role on the energy policy working group, Mr Willcox was also appointed as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities last month — a portfolio he describes as critical to both national resilience and regional prosperity. The appointment reflects growing recognition of the important role regional centres like Mackay, Bowen and Townsville play in shaping Australia’s industrial future.

“From defence to advanced manufacturing, food production to space technology — our future relies on Australian-made solutions,” Mr Willcox said.

“And that starts right here in Dawson.”

He said his first priority would be listening to local manufacturers and identifying what’s needed to grow jobs and capabilities across the north. “We’ve got global innovation happening in our backyard, and I’ll be working to ensure federal policy keeps pace with local ambition.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has been appointed to the Coalition’s energy policy working group, bringing a regional perspective to the national conversation on energy, climate and economic growth

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