New ETU report shows gross energy feed-in tariff would create 22,500
jobs
Greens call on government to act now
Launching a report commissioned by the Electrical Trades Union of
Victoria in Melbourne, the Australian Greens today called on the Rudd
government to introduce a gross national feed-in tariff for renewable
energy as community support for this measure grows.
Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said that the report shows
that over 22,500 jobs would be created by introducing a national gross
feed-in tariff for solar energy.
“The report shows thousands of new jobs would be created by the
introduction of this scheme – jobs for installers and electricians, and
jobs in retail and in marketing. The employment benefits would be spread
around the country,” Senator Brown said.
“And a gross national feed-in tariff has the support of the Electrical
Trades Union because they recognise it is a sensible, jobs-rich approach
to the essential transformation to a zero-emissions economy in
Australia. And this report confirms that.”
Greens Senator Christine Milne introduced her Renewable Energy Amendment
(Feed-In Tariff for Electricity) Bill in November last year. Despite
both the Government and the Coalition speaking in favour of Senator
Milne’s bill, the Government has not taken any action to bring a
national focus in this important area.
“Prime Minister Rudd will have a chance to support the Greens’ bill in
the House of Representatives where it has been introduced by Independent
MP Rob Oakeshott.”
“A gross national feed-in tariff gives certainty to investors in all
sources and scales of renewable energy generation. It would quickly
bring renewables, including solar energy, to the point where they can
challenge the dominance of the coal industry,” Senator Brown said.
More information: Russell Kelly 0438 376 082
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