The result in the Aston by-election has forced the Albanese Government to reassess its emissions-reduction laws just days after they were passed by federal parliament with the backing of the Greens.

 A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the outcome of the by-election had delivered a unique opportunity to fight climate change by tapping a new, long-term source of clean energy which in turn had prompted a sudden review of Australia’s emissions-reduction plan.

“We were alerted late on Saturday night to a brand-new source of energy just waiting to be tapped and fed into the national grid,” the spokesperson said.

“A person walking their dog through Melbourne General Cemetery at North Carlton, more than 20kms to the west from the seat of Aston, heard a loud buzzing noise which turned out to be the late prime minister and Liberal Party founder, Sir Robert Menzies, spinning in his grave.

“Prompt work by Victorian Government electricity authorities soon had a high-voltage system set up including a graveside generator that is already feeding power into the grid with no end in sight to the supply of this new and clean energy source. (main picture)

“This, in turn, has naturally forced us to rethink our own emissions reduction schedule that was just legislated days ago.”

Leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, said before agreeing to altering the emissions reduction laws, he would be discussing with the government whether electricity sourced from the grave should be classified as “clean” or “renewable” power rather than as a “fossil fuel” source.

“From what I know of Menzies he was a bit of a fuddy duddy old fossil so I’m leaning in that direction right now and will need convincing to the take a contrary view,” Mr Bandt said.

A spokesperson for the federal Liberal Party said the late Sir Robert Menzies should be recognised for his contribution to meeting Australia’s growing energy needs.

“But the party won’t be taking credit for the simple fact that climate change isn’t actually real,” the spokesperson said.