The Greens and Labor have voted down bills seeking to abolish the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) for a second time – providing Prime Minister Abbott a double dissolution trigger.
“The Senate won’t stand for Tony Abbott’s head-in-the-sand approach on global warming, and we’re not afraid of a double dissolution election over renewable energy,” said Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne.
“It’s time for Mr Abbott to give up. The CEFC is an excellent institution that should stay.”
Senator Milne says the CEFC is providing jobs, reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas footprint and generating revenue.
“The Abbott government has admitted the CEFC is profitable, but they’re so driven by ideology that they want to wipe their hands of it and sell it off. It’s just further proof that there is no budget emergency.
“The Greens won’t entertain any compromise on our values, so we are ready for an early election, if Tony Abbott has the ticker for it.”
It’s believed unlikely Prime Minister Abbott will take this opportunity to call another election – among the many reasons; rather disastrous polling.
However, the bill is expected to be introduced to the new Senate when it begins sitting next month. The new Senate includes representation from the Palmer United Party; but as has been demonstrated in the past, agreement may not be a done deal.
The CEFC enables capital investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Australia. According to the CEFC; its investments of $536 million last year provided on average $2.90 of private sector investment for every $1 of CEFC investment.
“These investments will deliver a positive return to the CEFC, with a cost of abatement in the order of negative $2.40 per tonne CO2e.”
