Peter Garrett’s decision to end the Federal solar rebate program today, instead of on June 30, has thrown the solar industry and potential customers into chaos.
Victorians who were relying on being able to submit an application for a solar installation up until the end of the month will now miss out on the rebate unless they can get their application in the mail today.
Shadow Minister for the Environment David Davis said this was another case of environment policy on the run from Labor and would cut people out of the Federal rebate who wanted to do the right thing and install solar panels.
“Solar installations will be in limbo until new laws are passed to set up Peter Garrett’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme,” Mr Davis said.
“Victorian solar installers, many of whom have advertised in good faith, will be hit hard by Mr Garrett’s decision and local jobs are likely to be affected.
“The sudden cut to the existing rebate today, before the RET legislation is even introduced into Federal Parliament, shows the Minister has lost control of his portfolio.
“The unilateral decision by the Rudd Government to suddenly shut down the Federal program will weaken joint Federal and State efforts to promote solar energy, and Gavin Jennings should demand that this bizarre decision is discussed at the next Environment Ministers’ meeting rather than just rolling over for his Federal Labor mates,” Mr Davis said.
