The Australian Conservation Foundation has criticised the Federal Parliament for delaying the passage of renewable energy legislation today.
“Action on climate change cannot wait,” said ACF executive director Don Henry.
“We need to get on with the job of strengthening and passing the Renewable Energy Target and other climate legislation, so we can start building the low carbon economy and create jobs.
“ACF would like to see a stronger renewable energy target with no subsidies to big polluters, but the bottom line is we need to get cracking now.
“There is no time to waste if we want to put Australia in a leadership position on tackling climate change in this crucial year of international climate negotiations and to build the low carbon economy of the future.
“It is 18 months since the Government was elected with a mandate to establish a 20 per cent renewable energy target,” said ACF executive director Don Henry.
“All parliamentarians have had more than enough time to consider their positions.
“Senators should not need another inquiry to form a position on a piece of legislation that is only 20 pages in length and makes straightforward changes to existing law.
“If the Senate economics committee needs to consider this Bill, it should be able to do so in a few days, leaving Senators ready to debate and pass the bill next week.
“Delaying the establishment of the Renewable Energy Target will create more uncertainty for the solar industry and hold back the creation of green collar jobs.
“The renewable energy bill should be strengthened and passed as soon as possible to ensure Australia grabs a share of the global renewable energy boom,” Mr Henry said.
