LIBERAL NO-SHOW AT SOLAR FORUM SHEDS LIGHT ON PM'S RET INTENTIONS

Media Release

Mark Butler

Shadow Minister for Environment

 Climate Change and Water

Date:  22 August 2014

Liberal Luke Howarth last night hid from his own constituents, too ashamed to face them over his Government’s plan to abolish the Renewable Energy Target – a plan that would increase the power bills of people in the Petrie electorate.

More than 200 people attended the Solar Council’s Save Solar Forum in Redcliffe last night, but Luke Howarth was a no-show despite organisers arranging a date with his office to ensure he was able to make it.

His decision to hide from his constituents comes two days after the Australian Financial Review revealed Tony Abbott had asked his Renewable Energy Target Review Panel to consider abolishing the target.

“Renewable energy, particularly solar, is obviously a very important issue for the people of Petrie, but Mr Howarth made no attempt to be there,” Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mark Butler said.

“It’s not surprising he didn’t want to front his constituents and answer questions on his Prime Minister’s latest broken promise to scrap the Renewable Energy Target; how could he?

“How could he face the people of Petrie and tell them his Government’s plan is to increase their power bills, increase carbon pollution, slash thousands of jobs, and risk billions of investment in Australia?

Eamonn Giblin, director of local business Solar Inceptions, told last night’s forum any changes to the RET would cost local jobs.

“It’s a shame Mr Howarth has chosen not to represent his constituents on this matter,” Mr Giblin said to the audience.

Local representatives from the clean energy industry at the forum all expressed concern for the future of their businesses and jobs. Local plumber James Teague said he’s been unable to give apprentices permanent roles due to the uncertainty around the RET and solar worker Rhonda Nowakowski said the Government’s lack of support for clean energy is out of touch with reality and the constituency’s wants and needs.

“Last night’s debate was robust and constructive, but people were still left without answers on the Government’s intentions. This uncertainty is extremely damaging to the clean energy industry but is also frustrating for a community that very strongly supports solar energy.

“Under Labor, Australian households with solar roof panels increased from about 7500 in 2007 to more than one million in 2013.

“Tony Abbott’s backflip on his promises to retain the RET, retain the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and provide $100 million for his Solar Roofs program have left the people of Petrie high and dry.

“It’s time the Abbott Government comes clean on its plans for renewable energy in Australia.”