Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice on 6 September 2012:

(1) Can a detailed outline be provided of what information each of the ‘industry associations and non-profits’ provide to small and medium sized enterprises and community organisations in order to fulfil the requirements of the grant.

(2) What expertise does each recipient have enabling them to provide businesses and other organisations with energy efficiency information that will reduce energy costs; and how was that ascertained or assessed by the department.

(3) Can separate lists be provided of the: (a) industry associations; and (b) non-profit organisations that were awarded grants, outlining the basis on which these groups were chosen over other associations and non-profit groups.

(4) Was consideration given to the funding break-up for each of these groups (industry and non-profit); if so, how was it applied.

(5) Can a list be provided detailing, for each grant recipient, the names of each small and medium enterprise and community organisation that is being assisted by the provision of ‘tailored energy efficiency information’ as stipulated by the grant requirements.

(6) Is each grant recipient required to provide key performance indicators to the department demonstrating that they have been successful in reducing the energy costs of the small and medium enterprises and community organisations they are assisting; if so, how; if not, why not.

(7) How and on what basis does the department assess the effectiveness of the ‘tailored energy efficiency information’ that each grant recipient is providing, including an example of such an assessment.

(8) What: (a) understanding of business; (b) business connections; and (c) business memberships, are the recipients required to outline in their submissions in order to fulfill the brief provided by the department; if such information was not sought, why not.

(9) Will the second round of funding under the EEIG Program, scheduled for October 2012, go ahead, particularly given the recent Government announcement of a ‘razor gang’ on grants.

(10) Will the Program Guidelines and Application form for Round Two differ from those in Round One; if so: (a) how and on what basis will the changes be made; and (b) when will the Program Guidelines and Application forms for Round Two be finalised.

(11) Is the department engaging with stakeholders to develop a more effective program; if so, can a list of those stakeholders be provided.

(12) Was any consideration given to the Australian Greens and their stakeholders when compiling the final list of Round One grant recipients.

(13) Are local, state and federal government groups allowed to apply for the grants.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Please refer to the answer provided I to Question No. 2140.