This morning Tasmanian Labor Senator Lisa Singh condemned Andrew Nikolic MP for failing to stand up for Tasmania’s renewable energy sector and then attempting to blame Labor for the damage done by the Government.
“After attempting to use the Warburton Review to scale back the sector, the Abbott Government has blocked negotiations by refusing to move on its 40 per cent cut to the Renewable Energy Target” she said.
“While Labor has attempted to give certainty to the clean energy industry by finding a way forward, the Coalition has lost all credibility in this space.”
“Andrew Nikolic, who split from his Tasmanian Liberal Senator colleagues in refusing to commit to support for the Renewable Energy Target, is being hypocritical now in trying to divert attention away from the uncertainty and damage done by his Government’s policies.”
Labor is protecting renewable energy jobs and investment by rejecting Tony Abbott’s plan to cut the Renewable Energy Target.
Senator Lisa Singh said Tony Abbott’s plan to cut the Renewable Energy Target will also put upwards pressure on electricity prices, while allowing pollution to rise.
“Labor believes the Renewable Energy Target is a critical part of Australia’s response to climate change,” Senator Singh said.
“The Renewable Energy Target has already delivered new investment and thousands of new jobs in Australia.”
“The evidence shows that Tony Abbott’s plan to cut the Renewable Energy Target will put upwards pressure on electricity prices, including in Tasmania.”
“Tony Abbott is refusing to take meaningful action on climate change. He has no interest in transitioning the Australian economy to a clean energy future,” said Senator Singh.
Despite Tony Abbott’s promise at the last election it is clear that the Government is determined to cut Australia’s Renewable Energy Target, putting a clean energy future at risk.
“Without explaining why more emissions-free energy is bad for Australia, despite its own review finding that reducing the Renewable Energy Target will increase wholesale electricity prices, and despite its own explicit promise before the election that it would maintain the current target, the Abbott Government has abandoned the billions in investment and tens of thousands of workers in the renewable energy industry.”
“Tony Abbott has already ensured that Australia is the only country in the world to reverse action on climate change.”
“Labor will protect the Renewable Energy Target which has already made a difference to emissions.”
SENATOR LISA SINGH SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
