NEG Watershed Moment

Share

1. Federal government rejects changes to the National Energy Guarantee (NEG).  

2. Commits to the abolition of the SRES.  

3. Backs fund that could be used to underwrite new coal power stations.

Other key developments….

Coalition MPs and Senators signed off on the NEG without any of the ‘red line’ changes requested by the states.  It:

– Rejected any increase to the emissions reduction target beyond 26% by 2030

– Rejected any change by regulation

– Rejected 3 yearly reviews of the target

– Rejected a plan for the target to only ever increase, and not decrease.

Minister is Busted!

The federal government has also been busted in its claims about power price reductions of $550 per year.

We now know the government did not undertake any significant economic modelling to justify the claim – only a single, incomplete excel spread sheet, ridiculed by energy experts.

Consequently there is nothing of substance to support the claim that the NEG will reduce power bills at all, let alone by $550 per year.

It is simply a lie.

So what other government myths need busting?

Check out our brand new video, Frydenberg Fact Check: 8 NEG Lies on Sunday

https://vimeo.com/284815235

But that’s not all…

The Prime Minister confirmed that all the ACCC recommendations would be implemented.

This includes the recommendation to scrap the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

Despite our calls for clarity on this point, the government has not ruled out immediately scrapping the scheme.

The Prime Minister said the government would introduce NEG legislation into the federal parliament in this sitting (this week or next).

Our Reaction

State and Territory Governments must not endorse the NEG today.

The mechanism is full of holes, traps and anti renewable lock-ins.

At least 6 Coalition MPs have indicated they may vote against the NEG in Parliament.

If they do, Labor, the Greens and the House of Representatives cross bench should shut this process down.  Now.

There is no way the States can sign off on the NEG.  The federal government are not about negotiation and compromise.

They are prepared to lie, and are adding coal funds, and the destruction of rooftop solar to this policy.

Enough is enough.

It is time to stop burning down every last initiative to transition to a clean, abundant, smart, and affordable energy future.