Michael Hart
December 5, 2016
The LNP Opposition claims the State Government’s renewable energy plan will make Queenslanders pay more for power – and subsidise other States.
Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart said on Monday the Queensland Productivity Commission had found the Palaszczuk Government’s 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target would result in Queenslanders being slugged $10.8 billion in subsidies by 2030.
“And when the impact of the target on households, businesses and industry is combined, power prices under Labor will soar by $1.3 billion,” he said.
“Labor’s 50 per cent target means Queenslanders will be subsidising other States, which is grossly unfair.
“The LNP supports national action on a renewable energy target but not an extreme target that is unfair, unaffordable and unachievable.”
Meanwhile, Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg launched his long-awaited review of Australia’s climate policies in Canberra on Monday.
The current Direct Action Plan policy, which replaced Labor’s Carbon Tax, provides financial incentives for polluters to reduce emissions.
However, the review includes the suggestion of a new form of carbon tax, an “emissions intensity scheme”, which should be introduced.
Under this, power stations would be told how much carbon dioxide they could emit for every unit of power generated. If they went over the limit, they would have to buy carbon permits to offset the breach.
It is also includes a $2.5 billion Emissions Reduction Fund and an emissions reduction target of 26-28 per cent by 2030.
The review will be conducted by the Department of Environment and Energy and should be finished by the end of next year.
