Federal Opposition and Labor Party Leader Bill Shorten has pledged $75 million to create thousands of clean energy jobs if Labor is elected in the May 18 Federal election.
Shorten says this will create 70,000 jobs in the growing renewable sector. The figure includes $45 million for clean energy apprentice programs with employers eligible for up to $8,000 per trainee.
Shorten claims the new jobs will be created in areas like solar power installation. He says Labor’s Renewable Energy Target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030 will drive the growth.
Clean energy jobs rise with solar industry in overdrive
If Labor wins the election more renewable funding is on the cards, with a solar battery rebate program already promised.
A Shorten Government would also spend $20 million on upgrading TAFE facilities. This would bring on-site installations including solar panels and battery storage up to industry standard.
Further funding of $10 million would then set up a clean energy training fund. Workers can then receive the specific training required for renewable industries.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last month showed the highest level of estimated full-time equivalent employment in clean energy since 2011-12.
Solar shines as a star employer with big increases in residential and commercial solar installations, data shows. In fact, solar power is the single biggest contributor to growth in every year of published ABS figures.
Labor supports large-scale solar, battery rebates
Labor’s boost for clean energy jobs covers wind and solar power, battery manufacture and installation, pumped hydro and electricity transmission.
Apprentices entering these fields will receive $2,000 each to help with the cost of education and training.
Labor’s 10-year investment framework includes a $5 billion fund to future-proof the nation’s energy network. ‘One Plan for More Renewable Energy and Cheaper Power’ also adds $10 billion for large-scale renewable capital investment.
Labor also plans to bring back Malcolm Turnbull’s ill-fated National Energy Guarantee (NEG). Incoming Prime Minister Scott Morrison ditched the NEG last year.
However, Labor would increase its emissions reduction target from 26-28 per cent to 45 per cent of 2005 CO2 levels by 2030.
Renewable Energy Zone planned for South Australia
Meanwhile, Labor wants to create a new Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf region to support investment in renewables and clean energy jobs.
Meanwhile, Shadow Climate Change Minister Mark Butler announced last year a possible REZ in the north-west of Tasmania.
The Australian Energy Market Operator says these renewable zones can drive renewable energy development by concentrating resources and infrastructure.
