Misinformation can spread like wildfire, and it's crucial to set the record straight! This statement from IEEFA (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis) addresses a recent instance where their analysis was misattributed in media coverage. Let's dive in.
On December 9, 2025, IEEFA released this statement concerning articles published in several Australian newspapers on October 30, 2025. These articles, focusing on the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and a 'massive gap' in Queensland's coal power maintenance budget, cited IEEFA's analysis.
However, here's where the details get clarified: The figures and analysis actually originated from the ETU. Peter Ong, the QLD/NT State Secretary of the ETU, presented these findings during a Queensland parliamentary hearing. The ETU's analysis, as detailed in their submission to the QLD Governance, Energy and Finance Committee Energy Roadmap Amendment Bill 2025, referenced IEEFA's historical data. Specifically, the ETU drew upon IEEFA's report from April 2025, titled 'Delaying coal power exits: A risk we can’t afford', which provided figures on coal generator refurbishment costs.
This highlights the importance of accurate sourcing and the potential for confusion when different organizations' work is intertwined.
About IEEFA: IEEFA is an organization that focuses on energy markets, trends, and policies. Their mission is to accelerate the shift towards a diverse, sustainable, and profitable energy economy. They provide valuable insights, and it's essential to understand the distinction between their work and that of other organizations, like the ETU, even when they collaborate or reference each other's data.
What are your thoughts on the importance of accurate attribution in reporting? Do you think this kind of clarification is crucial for public understanding of complex issues? Share your opinions below!
