Senior Liberal figures have labelled the Morrison government’s stance on climate change as "mad" and "morally irresponsible" as the party’s moderate wing reels at the ultra-conservative takeover of Australia’s energy policy.

In his first speech as Energy Minister in Melbourne on Thursday, Angus Taylor reiterated the Morrison government’s intention to curb electricity prices, but made no mention of reducing greenhouse gas emissions created by burning fossil fuels for energy.

“There will be no ideology in what I do ... my goal, the goal of my department and the goal of the electricity sector must be simple and unambiguous - get prices down while keeping the lights on,” he said.

Mr Taylor did not take questions after the speech at the Council of Small Business of Australia summit in Melbourne, reportedly avoiding waiting media by retreating to a meeting room then leaving via a back door.