Behind the Scenes

Solar Panel Rebates - why we're starting a petition

Jun 29 03:53pm
- By Adam Boland - Sunrise Executive Producer

 

 

You'll remember that in 2006, Sunrise successfully campaigned for the continuation of the rebate on solar panels.

 

Well in the last federal budget, the new Government changed the scheme to means test it.  So it's now only available to households earning less than $100,000 a year.

 

That's a bit weird - when Kevin Rudd made clear on Australia’s program back in '06 that "the science is in".  

He mocked the then Government for failing to capitalise on our obvious solar resource. 

Kevin Rudd said the rebate scheme should have "ambitious targets" so millions of homes could switch to solar.

 

Green groups, business groups and the Opposition have all condemned the means test.  The solar industry says it could be a "disaster" for them. 

The timing is awful. 

New research shows the North Pole is melting faster than we'd feared.  The ice could be gone within three years - not 20.

 

So,  tomorrow, Sunrise will bring back its solar rebate petition. 

This time, we'll be calling on the Rudd Government to scrap the means test - so it serves as incentive for ALL Australians to make the switch.

I hope you can join us...

 

Adam

5 Comments Report Abuse
1. brendan.swan01 - Jun 29 07:56pm
Really where is the Labour's wisdom with Solar Panel Rebates, it seems right up there with Alco Pop Taxes..bloody stupid . Given the "financial enviroment" and the lack of support from the Rudd Gov't , by maintaining its decision our enviroment will really be a subprime enviroment.
2. lindacv - Jul 01 08:21am
For a Prime Minister who was eager to sign the Kyoto Protocol and give guarantees to meet targets on greenhouse emissions I find this decision to be totally hypocritical! Or is it that the Rudd Govt saw funding Toyota and its hybrid vehicles as more important???
3. raphcmaguire - Jul 01 10:41am
Germany receives a lot less sun than Australia. Yet the German government subsidise solar technology heavily. Every Australian home must have its solar electricity and hot water and be able to sell its surplus electricity to the grid for at least the same price as the electricity companies charge.
4. claremd12345 - Jul 01 01:28pm
I recon that it should be put down to 75 thousand.
living in a 35 thousand dollar household (dad works mum dosnt) and hearing things like 100 thousand isnt alot well it is for us and if you dont thijnk so then you try living off 35 thousand then
5. sharrocknick - Jul 03 09:27am
Cool the Globe when you cool your home, Run Air conditioners as independant Solar, battery storage system. Nature changing your home enviroment, without changing the whole enviroment.
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