[Greens-Media] Will Rudd act to save solar jobs?

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Will Rudd act to save solar jobs?

Hobart, Tuesday 18 November 2008

The Rudd Government must act decisively to save the jobs of the 200
highly skilled solar cell manufacturers that will be lost with the
closure of BP Solar's plant in Sydney, the Australian Greens said today.

"Prime Minister Rudd faces a defining moment today in convincing
Australians that he cares about climate change and the green jobs
revolution," said Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Climate Change
Spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne.

"If this were a car manufacturer, an aluminium smelter or a coal
company, the Government would be bending over backwards to keep it in
Australia. What will it do for a solar company?

"At a time like this, with the financial meltdown meeting the climate
meltdown head on, we need all the skilled workers we can find in clean
industries to help build the solution to both crises - a new, zero
emissions economy.

"But the Rudd Government has consistently demonstrated its complete lack
of interest in renewable energy, with its single-minded focus on coal.

"11 months after taking the reins, there is no sign of legislation to
lift the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target to 20% as promised. My bill
for a renewable energy feed-in tariff has been relegated to the oblivion
of COAG. The emissions trading scheme is being designed with a clear eye
to protecting coal and little or no incentives for renewable energy.

"Any Australians who still think they elected a Government that would be
serious about climate change should keep a close eye on what Prime
Minister Rudd and his Ministers do and say today about BP Solar and its
highly skilled workforce.

"While BP solar is understandably at pains not to blame the Government,
there can be no doubt that, if Australia had a welcoming environment for
solar power, this decision would be different.

"The Rudd Government must act today to keep the 200 jobs from BP Solar's
plant in Australia, and move decisively to reassure Australia's
renewable energy sector that it will help it to grow here rather than
move overseas.

"The green jobs boom is happening around the world, with the USA now
becoming the centre of gravity for the 'Green New Deal'. Either we can
ride the crest of that wave and see jobs created here, or we can shackle
ourselves to the 19th century coal jobs which will disappear as the
world moves to a renewable energy future.

"Which path will the Rudd Government choose for Australia?"

Tim Hollo 
Media and Communications Adviser 
Senator Christine Milne 
Australian Greens Deputy Leader
ph: (02) 6277 3588 
mob: 0437 587 562
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