"This is an important step in the process of completing the government's energy white paper process," Macfarlane said.
"The issues paper is centred around reducing cost pressures on households and businesses, and will include matters such as security of energy supplies, regulatory reform and energy productivity.
"The issues paper also seeks comment on growth and investment to maintain Australia's competitive position, trade and international relations, workforce productivity to meet ongoing industry demand and alternate sources of energy to diversify our energy mix."
Industry and community input will inform possible policy approaches for a green paper, which will be released for consultation in May next year. Input on the green paper will then inform the final energy white paper, to be released later in 2014.
"The energy white paper will set out a coherent and integrated approach to energy policy to boost domestic market competition and productivity, maintain international competitiveness and grow our export base."
Macfarlane said the government's energy white paper will deliver stable energy policy and efficient and transparent markets that promote user choice and put downward pressure on energy costs.
