More than three-quarters of Australians support Clean Energy Target (CET) policy, a new poll shows.
Around 77 per cent of respondents recognise the importance of a CET as recommended in the Finkel Report, the Climate Council poll shows.
However, the Federal Government has yet to decide whether to implement a CET.
While public support for a CET also crosses the political spectrum, young people are its strongest advocates.
Notably, the poll reveals 25-34 year olds as the group most frustrated by lack of policy direction.
Two-thirds (66%) of this age group believe the Turnbull Government has therefore failed to deliver a clear long-term energy policy.
Summing up, a CET would boost the renewable industry including residential solar power and home battery systems.
Statistics support Clean Energy Target
Nearly half of Liberal voters (41%) and three-quarters of Labour voters (75%) say the Government lacks a clear long-term energy policy.
When asked if it’s important for the Government to implement a CET:
- 61% of Liberal voters say it’s important.
- 83% of the 18-24 year old group says it’s important.
- Only 4% are undecided about whether the Government should implement a CET.
According to Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie, every day national action is delayed is a day wasted.
She also said renewable energy technologies such as solar panels are the “most affordable, reliable way to power our 21st-century economy”.
Failure to provide long-term energy policy
In the poll, more than half of Australians (56%) do not believe the Federal Government has a long-term energy plan in place.
“The lack of policy planning on energy has led to years of price increases, supply concerns and rising pollution; creating a crisis of trust amongst the public,” Ms McKenzie said.
Subsequently, concern about the Government’s lack of direction on energy policy spans all age and political groups, she added.
Australia’s Chief Scientist Alan Finkel says Australia needs strong energy policy direction to achieve affordable, clean and reliable power.
Yet the Coalition has accepted only 49 of the 50 Finkel report recommendations, being undecided on the recommended CET.
The survey of 2,176 residents across Australia was conducted by ReachTEL on behalf of the Climate Council.
