Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On the subject of renewables, let us get this topic fairly and squarely on the basis of truth rather than the mythology of sea-green mist ghosting being peddled by those who sit in opposition. One assumes that Labor really does not have a handle on the costings and benefits arising from renewable energy. The final RET legislation that passed through the House was a negotiated outcome, where some members of Labor actually understood the needs of moving forward. Finally, investment strategies could be determined, with supply of renewables and a great outcome achieved, as well as employment opportunity. By 2020, more than 23.5 per cent of Australia's electricity will be provided by renewables, which is well above expectations. The program will lead to a doubling of renewable energy in the next five years.

We on this side of the House are balancing the best that Australia has to offer. We have a very sound solar industry, which continues to thrive. More than 1.4 million households, small businesses and community organisations have installed solar, which is in addition to the 900,000 solar hot water systems we have got going. The investment has been underpinned by the renewable energy target scheme. Under that scheme, some people have been getting more than $3,000 in rebates. This is equivalent to about 30 per cent of the total cost of installation. Yet Labor's 50 per cent target announcement was made without any analysis. We look at it and it looks like it is going to cost us about $85 billion. Who is going to pay for this? Nobody other than Australian families and Australian workers. Labor know this will drive up electricity prices, but they are too scared to admit it. This is fact. It is exactly what happened last time. Just talk to the families and businesses who copped massive electricity bills.

The government will implement new measures to support large-scale solar and other renewable energy deployment, including options to support other innovative renewable energy technologies. Many people living in Gilmore wish to see investment in other renewables, such as wave energy and biochar development. Those sitting opposite really have no idea. Our plan for renewables is sustainable. It will lead to research, development and investment into other options for renewable energy without costing our existing industries, which actually employ huge numbers of people in our nation.

After all, the options being proposed by Labor are really quite scary. Firstly, the proposal includes a new supercharged carbon tax, which will actually destroy jobs, push up electricity prices and hurt our Australian families and businesses. Labor was categorically rejected because of the carbon tax. That is one of the reasons why we are on this side and you are over there. I just wonder how the residents of Cunningham and Throsby, many of whom are directly involved in the coalmining industry, will feel when they are informed about this amazing policy reintroduction. If those opposite are re-elected and a super carbon tax comes along, the result will be very high electricity prices and the closure of 37 coalmines. I mean, really?

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