CHANGES TO RET WILL COST 450 TASMANIAN JOBS

The changes proposed in the Abbott Government’s Renewable Energy Target Review Report will jeopardise 450 Tasmanian jobs.

“Tony Abbott wants the RET scrapped, which will put an end to the Tasmanian PV solar industry and leave 450 Tasmanians without a job,” Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Senator Lisa Singh said.

“I have joined more than 26,000 Australians who have signed the Solar Citizen’s petition to keep the RET and consequently support Tasmania’s clean energy industry.”

Tasmanian households with solar panels on their roofs has grown to 21,144, with 9% of Tasmanian households now enjoying lower power bills through solar energy.

“Will Hodgman should be pleading with Tony Abbott to see sense on the RET, since so much of Tasmania’s economy relies on the clean energy industry,” Senator Singh said.

Tony Abbott’s plans to abolish the RET will risk Hydro Tasmania’s TasWind project which is worth $2 billion and predicted to create 500 jobs.

“Tasmania cannot afford to lose the jobs and economic growth provided by renewable energy. Tasmania currently supplies more than 40% of the nation’s renewable energy and with further development has the capacity to utilise its natural advantages in hydro and wind energy to grow even further.

“In one year, the Abbott Government, including Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz, has failed to deliver any good news for Tasmania, only policies and plans to risk jobs, investment and drive Tasmanians out of our great state,” Senator Singh said.
SENATOR THE HON LISA SINGH LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER