THE HON MARK BUTLER MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER MEMBER FOR PORT ADELAIDE

THE HON GARY GRAY AO MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR RESOURCES SHADOW MINISTER FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA SHADOW SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE MEMBER FOR BRAND

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RET AGREEMENT CLOSE, BUT GOVERNMENT STILL NOT SERIOUS ABOUT ENDING THE UNCERTAINTY

After meeting with Government Cabinet Ministers today, it’s clear Tony Abbott is still not serious about fixing the mess he created for Australia’s renewable energy industry.

After more than 18 months of uncertainty, which has cost billions in investment and risked jobs, the Energy Minister and Environment Minister were given directions to make an offer for a new Large-Scale Renewable Energy Target, but insisted on focussing on sideline issues such as the inclusion of wood waste.

The Government is also reneging on its previous positon to remove reviews that are currently required by the Climate Change Authority every two years. Unfortunately, this will ensure that the very uncertainty that has plagued the sector under Tony Abbott is set to continue.

Labor is pleased there is finally the basis for an agreement on the RET at 33,000GWh.

That is a significant shift from Tony Abbott’s pre-election commitment of 41,000GWh, but if legislated, should provide certainty for the industry to restart building projects. It should also provide certainty for the energy intensive trade-exposed sector.

But we were bitterly disappointed that Greg Hunt and Ian Macfarlane came today wanting to talk about distractions that amount to little more than their colleagues’ pet interests and obsessions, and measures that will prolong the uncertainty.

Labor wants a deal to secure the future of Australia’s renewable energy industry. The Government does not seem to have that same sense of urgency or commitment.

The Government has almost destroyed the renewable energy industry - even its own backbenchers are saying so.

It’s in crisis and the Government is preoccupied with pathetic stunts like today.

Labor has been fighting every day to protect the renewable energy industry and the tens of thousands of people it employs, and the low-cost energy sources that it represents – we’ll keep doing that.

We say to Greg Hunt and Ian Macfarlane and all the members of the Abbott Government, if you want to play around with side issues, that’s your prerogative but Labor is focussed on returning certainty to the renewable energy industry and will vote in the Parliament accordingly.”

It’s up to the Government to let go of its silly obsessions and prepare the legislation required to get the renewable energy industry back on track.

Labor has said if elected in 2016 we will lift the legislated 2020 RET. We will also be meeting with stakeholders next week to discuss the options for an ambitious post-2020 Renewable Energy Target.

Australia should be at the forefront of renewable energy, not falling further behind.