Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 6 Hansard (15 May) . . Page.. 1614 ..

MRS DUNNE (continuing):

During the 2001 election campaign Labor announced that it would introduce a rebate scheme for solar hot water systems, which they introduced on 17 April following the passage of the appropriation bill. You might say, "Well done, stout fellow," but I would not. At the time of Labor's launch of the scheme I was critical of it as a piece of middle-class welfare.

The solar hot water scheme as proposed by the ALP is one element in addressing greenhouse emissions and cutting energy consumption, but it is only a small piece in the jigsaw. This is a small scheme which benefits only a few moderately well-off people, people who would probably install solar hot water systems anyhow. It is completely lacking in vision, and vision is a thing that this frontbench does not have in very great measure.

As evidence of that lack of vision, I would point to the performance of the minister for energy during the debate on the reference to the Planning and Environment Committee on renewable energy. In that debate Mr Quinlan, posing as the minister for energy, opposed the reference. Mr Quinlan sniped from the sidelines, attempting to stymie the inquiry. He brought an accountant's approach to a discussion of Canberra's long-term renewable energy needs and energy efficiency.

Mr Quinlan stood up for vested interests and those who have an interest in the present marketing arrangements. He made it perfectly clear that if our inquiry highlighted problems in the national energy market he was not going to do anything about them. He said:

If the committee comes up with some findings here, I am sure that, as the minister for energy or representing that sector, I will be directed or something to take it to the council ... I can say, "G'day, ladies and gentlemen. I've got this lot, but you will have to remember that I am from a minority government" ...

How is that that for arrogance?

Today I have brought forward this motion so that this Assembly can commit to a program to eventually replace the old inefficient hot water systems in government housing and make solar hot water systems available to people on low incomes who rent in the private rental market.

But fear not, Mr Quinlan. It will not be done at once. It would be hard to do at once, but I do expect you to make a start today. That start is to commit to installing solar hot water systems on all new dwellings built by ACT Housing as well as replacing old systems, as they wear out, with solar systems.

The aim of this motion is to provide both an environmental and a social benefit. The environmental benefit it clear. The installation of solar hot water systems will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases. It will look at improving the energy efficiency rating of the government housing stock.

The Canberra Liberals have been proud to champion such initiatives in the past. We embraced the energy efficiency rating program introduced by Mr Bill Wood when he was environment minister in 1994. It initiated the greenhouse strategy for the ACT. We

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .