Rumour has it the Warburton Renewable Energy Target review recommendations have been ditched by the Government – but the Australian Solar Council has warned the industry not to become complacent and risk falling into the “anti-solar trap”.
An article on Business Spectator reports federal Cabinet has nixed the two options for slashing the Renewable Energy Target recommended by the Warburton Review. However, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane will not confirm the report and no further comment on the RET will occur until the Coalition meets with Labor again; a meeting unlikely to happen until the next parliamentary sitting period starting on the 20th of this month.
The Australian Solar Council’s John Grimes views the report of a back-down by the Government with suspicion.
“I bet the Prime Minister is feeling great that the industry is relaxing and feeling complacent. So don’t be complacent. Talks have started between the Government and Labor. Not negotiations, just talks.”
Mr Grimes says with the distinct possibility of the aluminium industry being excluded from its responsibilities under the RET, there is now a “conga line” of other groups wanting the same treatment.
“Predictable,” he says. “Hanging out the ‘Mission Accomplished’ sign is madness. Over the next 3 weeks we have to ramp up the pressure, not relax.”
The Australian Solar Council CEO emphasised that any deal to emerge from the Government’s negotiations with Labour will be in direct proportion to the amount of pressure applied to both parties.
“The Government wants you to relax, and move on – nothing to see here,” he warns. “Do not fall into their anti-solar trap.”
As well as supporting the rollout of large-scale renewables, provision under the RET provide substantial support for the uptake of solar power systems for home and businesses.
If that support is lost, it would increase the cost of going solar considerably; perhaps putting it out of the reach of many households wanting to reduce their power bills. Additionally, should the Australia dollar continue its weakening trend, that will apply further upward pressure on prices. Also at risk are thousands of jobs in the solar industry; most of which are in small to medium sized businesses.
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