Conroy reckons that a lot of miners have roof top solar power so they would not miss coal-fired power stations when they close.

 

"Renewable energy is as popular in my region as it is anywhere else in the country," Conroy said.

 

"I'm saying to people that when our existing coal-fired power stations reach the end of their useful life, and some of them already have, then they will be replaced, absent a subsidy by government, with renewable energy backed up by gas or pumped hydro storage."

 

Thanks for nothing Pat. 

 

And what about the employment in your region that depends, in large part, on coal mines supplying coal-fired power generators, which in turn provide constant and affordable power to local industry? 

 

Hogsback reckons Conroy's attitude is symptomatic of the collective schizophrenia that has gripped the Labor party when it comes to coal.

 

On the one hand, the ALP fundamentally understands the coal mining industry provides Australian workers with some of the highest salaries in the country and is the economic bedrock of regions in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. 

 

On the other hand, though, it is fighting a rear-guard action from inner city voters in Sydney and Melbourne who refuse to acknowledge the benefits it provides to financial wellbeing of the nation. 

 

This phenomenon was demonstrated clearly by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during the by-election for the inner Melbourne seat of Batman.

 

When he was campaigning for the ALP candidate for the seat, Ged Kearney, Shorten questioned whether Adani's $16.5 billion Carmichael coal proposal for Central Queensland should go ahead. 

 

He even sneered more than normal when asked about Adani by the media.

 

The story changed when he went up to Townsville and central Queensland. 

 

Surrounded by Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union members Shorten was hot to trot for coal.   

 

A similar backflip over support for Adani was performed by Queensland Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk before she was re-elected. 

 

One moment she was glad to be photographed shaking hands with Gautam Adani, and the next moment she was promising to veto any Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loans for Adani to build the transport corridor from the Carmichael mine to the port. 

 

This constant back flipping is leaving Hogsback a little confused.

 

He reckons the ALP should listen to its union members and regional voters and start giving more solid and unwavering support to the coal industry.