“The latest warning from scientists about the impacts of climate change – this time from the world’s most respected marine biologists, should serve as a stark reminder about the urgent need to mitigate climate change.” Senator Christine Milne, Leader of the Australian Greens, said today.
“Pricing pollution, together with complimentary policies such as the Renewable Energy Target, are our strongest bet of addressing this challenge, and building a sustainable 21st century industry.
“Investing in renewable energy is not just good environmental management – it is sound economic policy. It has opened up thousands of jobs and promises to bring thousands more. The RET has tripartisan support, and the Greens have long been calling to extend our target. We need to get to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible and that’s why in the clean energy package the Australian Energy Market Operator has been charged with scenario planning to achieve just that.
“Australia is uniquely positioned with vast renewable energy reserves. We’ve got the highest average solar radiation per square kilometre of any continent in the world, and yet our large-scale solar industry is still in its infancy. The International Energy Agency forecasts that concentrated solar power alone could provide us with 40% of our energy by 2050.
“Not only solar, we’ve got vast wind and geothermal energy sources as well. We’ve got the potential to be world leaders. Now let’s get a move on.
“The RET is frequently misrepresented by those with a vested interest in continuing with fossil fuel generation. The cost of renewable energy is too frequently overstated. There is clear evidence that it is driving wholesale electricity prices down.
“Origin, which is no longer a member of the Clean Energy Council, has mistakenly staked its future on fossil fuels and is now realising that its business model is fundamentally threatened by the rise of renewable energy. AGL has made a smarter bet and it comes as no surprise that they oppose these changes to the RET.
”The real cause of increasing electricity bills is unnecessary investment in new poles and wires. The Greens are moving for a Senate inquiry into ways to reduce future electricity bill increases.”
• Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Christine Milne also commented on Tony Abbott’s refusal to join the multi-party reference group on asylum seeker policy, Labor’s attack on progressive voters and Afghanistan. And commented on Miranda Gibson, who has set a new Australian record on her 209th day in the Observer Tree …
Media Conference Audio:
http://christine-milne.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/senator-christine-milne-press-conference
• And:
SMH: Labor in crisis, says Milne
• Media Release
The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Member for Flinders
Shadow Minister for Climate Action,
Environment and Heritage
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells
Senator for New South Wales
Shadow Minister for Ageing
Shadow Minister for Mental Health.
10 July 2012
Government Claws Back Carbon Tax Compensation From Elderly
Aged Care residents have been hit with a carbon clawback on their aged care bills.
The Government touts the compensation package provided to pensioners but that money is being clawed back by increases to aged care services.
The federal Department of Health and Ageing has written to aged care residents across Australia authorising carbon clawbacks on electricity, gas and other essential services aged care providers give to their residents.
The Prime Minister must reveal today how many residents have received this letter and whether her Minister was aware that the Department was authorising a carbon clawback.
The Government are giving to aged care residents with one hand and taking with the other. This is exactly what they’ve been attacking State Government’s around the country for.
In the end, this isn’t just a tax on large employers as the Government would have us believe, it’s a tax on pensioners, seniors and aged care residents, as well as every Australian.
