CHRISTOPHER PYNE FAILS TO STAND UP FOR SOLAR: LOCAL RESIDENTS DISMAYED
Solar Citizens in South Australia have been left disappointed that local member Christopher Pyne refused to take the Stand Up For Solar pledge in a recent meeting.
Solar Citizens members met with one of Mr Pyne’s advisers to talk about how solar was reducing their power bills and asked him for a commitment to:
a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030;
a fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman; and
a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
After the meeting residents have again contacted the Minister’s office to seek this commitment, however Minister Pyne has failed to commit to a renewable energy goal of at least 50 per cent by 2030.
On Friday, Mr Pyne attacked Opposition leader Bill Shorten's decision to float a possible 45 per cent cut in Australia’s carbon emissions by 2030 as a move that would “smash household budgets and smash the economy”.
“Minister Pyne has chosen to bury his head in the sand on the reality of renewable energy,” said Dan Scaysbrook, Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens.
“It’s disappointing that Minister Pyne has refused to champion the sun powered future the majority of Australians support.
“Everyday community members in his own electorate of Sturt have chosen to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy.
“The Federal Liberal National Party should, at the very least, match Federal Labor’s commitment to a goal of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Solar Citizens is calling on Mr Pyne and all LNP members to support this goal.
“As a local member Mr Pyne should be supporting the 12,909 solar homes in his electorate by championing this renewable energy goal - a goal the Australian community actively favours.
“Renewable energy for Australia will create a better future for our children, grow thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy from the sun.
“Over coming months, solar homeowners will be meeting with their local members and asking them to sign the Stand Up For Solar pledge. It’s time their political leaders supported the community and ensured a bright future for solar,” he said.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
