Business community unites to urge Coalition to abandon energy 'big stick'

Some of Australia's highest solar takeup is occurring in the electorates of some of the Coalition's strongest coal supporters, new analysis shows

Australia's biggest energy and business groups have banded together to urge the government to abandon its "big stick" approach to energy legislation, warning the divestiture powers the government craves will impede investment and create genuine sovereign risk.

Scott Morrison and Angus Taylor threatened to break up Australia's energy companies if power prices didn't come down - by utilising commonwealth divestment powers never used before in Australia - through legislation due to be introduced to parliament this week.