… CALLS FOR ABETZ TO PROTECT THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET AND ITS JOBS, GROWTH AND INVESTMENT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Senator Lisa Singh added her support to the Rally for Renewables taking place outside Senator Eric Abetz’s office in Hobart today.
The rally is part of a nationwide campaign by solar and renewable energy workers, businesses, solar owners and supporters to stop the Coalition Government’s attempt to hurt jobs, growth and investment.
Over 4000 Tasmanian families have installed solar panels on their roofs since November 2013, while Hydro Tasmania’s TasWind project, which promises 500 jobs and $2 billion in investment, will not proceed if the Renewable Energy Target is scrapped.
“Eric Abetz is a key cabinet minister who is deciding whether to protect or scrap the bi-partisan Renewable Energy Target,” said Senator Singh.
“The chaos and uncertainty created by Tony Abbott is stopping any investment or expansion in the renewables sector which is so important for economic development in our state.”
“Tasmania cannot afford to lose the jobs and economic growth provided by renewable energy. We currently supply more than 40% of the nation’s renewable energy and with further investment we can utilise our natural advantages in hydro and wind energy to strengthen our economy,” said Senator Singh.
The Senator called on the Government to rule out the Warburton Review recommendations which threatened the viability of Tasmanian renewables.
“How could Tasmania’s Liberal Parliamentarians like Eric Abetz, Brett Whiteley, Eric Hutchinson and Andrew Nikolic oppose the RET when it brings millions of investment into Tasmania?” asked Senator Singh.
“There is over $2 billion dollars of future Tasmanian investment in doubt without the Government’s long term commitment to the RET.
“I call on Tasmanian Liberal senators to stand up for jobs and investment by standing up for the Renewable Energy Target.
“Their refusal to do so will show they don’t care about future jobs growth in Tasmania.”
SENATOR THE HON LISA SINGH LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER
