NEW TURNBULL GOVERNMENT SHOULD FOCUS ON AT LEAST 50% RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2030 FOR INNOVATION, JOBS, ECONOMIC GROWTH
Solar Citizens has welcomed the appointment of new Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg as an opportunity for the Federal Government to invest in more renewable energy and end the political attacks that have consumed the past two years.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has also made positive comments on social media today about “an increased focus” in his portfolio on renewable energy.
National Director Claire O’Rourke said Australia’s millions of solar homeowners and solar supporters would welcome the Environment Minister’s comments and the appointment of the new Energy Minister.
However, voters needed to see more details and action from the Turnbull government to cement a true change of direction and a move away from the cheap political point-scoring of recent times.
“Ministers Frydenberg and Hunt should show strong leadership by, at a minimum, matching Labor’s commitment to renewable energy supplying at least half the nation’s power by 2030,” she said.
“The Turnbull Government’s adoption of a goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030 would be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Australians who want to see more solar and renewables, not less.
“Australians want political leadership that will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar - the last thing they want to see is ongoing attacks such as those we have seen from the Federal Government.
“It would demonstrate that the new Turnbull Government had a genuine commitment to the creation of thousands of jobs, to support innovation and to help families reap the rewards of solar to take control of rising power bills.
“Solar Citizens will write to both Ministers on behalf of millions of Australians who have installed rooftop solar on their homes and their supporters for 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.
“For far too long there has been a disconnect between what Australians want and what our political leaders have delivered – and Australia is falling behind globally when it comes to the development of the sector. The Minister can support this goal, ensure Australia does not miss out on the benefits of the solar revolution and bring Australia one step closer to becoming a solar powerhouse,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
