Lambie calls for a National RET target of 32,000 GWH – or less

Independent Senator for Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie has called on all political independents and parties to fight for the job security of hundreds of thousands of Australian workers in the manufacturing sector and agree to 32,000 GWH or less as Australia’s new renewable energy target.

“I believe that the Liberal government will find the 6 Cross Bench Senators’ votes it needs to slash the RET target by at least 9,000 GWH (from 41,000 GWH to 32,000 GWH) – and possibly more. The Labor Party now runs the risk of being irrelevant in this debate.” Said Senator Lambie.

“Captains of Tasmanian Industry have made it very clear to me since I was elected, that if the current RET target is not lowered and reformed quickly – then up to 10,000 direct and indirect manufacturing jobs associated with our Aluminium, Zink, Magnesium, Cement and Paper industries are at risk.” said Senator Lambie.

“Unlike the Liberals, Labor and the Greens – I’m not going to muck about. My vote will always be to save up to 10,000 direct and indirect manufacturing jobs in Tasmania.” said Senator Lambie.

“Renewable Energy is a policy area that I had major disagreements with Clive Palmer who signed an infamous RET deal with former American Vice President Al Gore without my knowledge or approval.

If I had blindly followed the Palmer United RET policy of not lowering the RET Target before the next election, then I would have risked the jobs of 10,000 Tasmanian workers and the viability of all our major manufactures.” said Senator Lambie.

“One of the main reasons I resigned to become an independent was, to put my state’s economic health and workers job security, before PUP’s RET deal with Al Gore.

Labor, Liberals, Greens and PUP just don’t understand that effectively, Tasmania operates on 100% renewable, clean, hydro energy. We don’t pollute the environment with Co2 when we turn on our power switches. So why should we be forced to pay any mainland RET penalties?” said Senator Lambie.

“I also call on the Government to make changes to the current RET Scheme which will allow Bioenergy to play a greater role in Australia’s renewable energy future.

Allowing all electricity generated from biofuels created from bio-waste (food, meat, all wood, straw and feedstock etc.) to contribute to our National RET target is also another important decision the federal liberal Government must make.” said Senator Lambie.

“Specifically I want to see the reinstatement of wood waste from sustainable native forestry harvesting and processing operations to contribute once again to the RET target.

Nation wide this would create and support thousands of jobs in rural & regional areas. And in Tasmanian it would create and support hundreds of vital jobs in our country regions.

All this means is that the timber off cuts and small woody waste, which is currently left to rot or burnt in bush fires – can be used in the generation of renewable energy. Not one extra tree need be cut down.” said Senator Lambie.

“I expect the extreme Greens to criticise my call – but they’ve created enough damage to our economy in Tasmania – and enough jobs have been lost because of their over-the -top environmental policies. Common sense, worker’s job security and sustainable economic growth must come first in Tasmania again.” said Senator Lambie.
Rob Messenger