David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

(1)   That the Save Our Solar (Solar Rebate Protection) Bill 2008 [No. 2] be referred to the Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee for inquiry and report by 15 August 2008, together with the following matters:

(a)   the impact of the means test threshold of $100 000 on the $8 000 solar rebate per household on the solar industry;

(b)   the effect on the uptake of solar panels by Australian households, comparing state-by-state results;

(c)   the impact on the number of applications for the $8 000 since the budget decision to impose the means test;

(d)   the impact on jobs in the solar industry, comparing state-by-state results;

(e)   the impact on emissions reductions as a consequence of this decision, comparing state-by-state results;

(f)   the consultation that occurred within government, including departments and agencies, prior to the decision and the input of each department and agency on the measure;

(g)   the economic and environmental modelling underpinning the decision to impose the means test;

(h)   the extent of the discussion prior to the decision with the solar panel industry on the impact of the decision;

(i)   the future viability of, and effects on, the solar industry as a result of the means test;

(j)   the impact on the Solar Cities programs at various sites around Australia and other related programs; and

(k)   other relevant matters.

(2)   That, as a minimum, the committee hold hearings in all Australian capital cities and hears evidence, inter alia, from Australia’s solar industry.

Question agreed to.