The Canning (Western Australia) by-election has been confirmed for 19 September. Candidates and their parties’ track record on support for solar may play an important role in how people vote.
The Australian Solar Council is continuing to deliver on its pledge to lobby in marginal seats and has launched the next stage of its Save Solar Campaign, focusing on Canning.
“Canning has the highest solar uptake of any electorate in Australia – a staggering 50% of homes have solar PV and or solar hot water on their roofs,” says the Council’s CEO, John Grimes.
“Half of Canning has solar, the other half want solar, and all of those voters have been attacked by Tony Abbott.”
In Canning, the postcode with the highest number of solar power system installs is 6210, which includes the suburb of Mandurah.
Mr. Grimes says the outcome of Canning could have major knock-on effects for the Federal Government and the Australian Solar Council will be encouraging Canning voters to put Liberals last.
“If the seat is lost, Abbott is gone. Even if the seat is not lost (an 11.8% swing needed), with a big enough swing Abbott probably cannot survive,” said Mr. Grimes.
Mr Grimes detailed some of the injuries caused to the solar industry by the Abbott government; including what he says was a broken pre-election promise of a million additional solar roofs by 2020, the attack on the Renewable Energy Target and the attempted abolition of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
The attacks on the CEFC have continued, with the Government recently instructing the CEFC not to invest in small scale solar.
“Tony Abbott’s reputation as the most radical, anti-solar Prime Minister in Australia’s history will not go down well with Canning voters,” said Mr. Grimes; who also supported Labor’s recent commitment to a 50% Renewable Energy Target; and the Greens’ increased target.
The Australian Solar Council exists to promote scientific, social and economic development through the environmentally sound use of solar energy. Previous Save Solar Community Forums hosted by the Council have been very well attended and helped make renewable energy a key issue among voters.
