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Wednesday 5/9/2007 Page: 8
A LABOR government would spend about $40 million to help clean energy firms export their products, in a bid to convince sceptics that it can tackle climate change without damaging jobs. While the APEC Business Advisory Council issues a statement on climate change today, Opposition environment spokesman Peter Garrett will announce that Labor would establish a clean energy enterprise centre to help firms adopt the latest technology and find export markets. He will also tell the National Press Club that a Labor government would establish a unit within Austrade to promote clean energy exports.
Mr Garrett will use the announcement to try to differentiate Labor's policies on climate change from those of the Government. Mr Garrett will say there are two major barriers to a strong clean energy export industry, which includes solar energy, wind energy and geothermal technologies. These are the lack of a strong domestic industry and the absence of expertise within Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to promote clean energy companies. Labor's policy announcement comes after a Portland factory making blades for wind turbines last month blamed the Government's lack of support for renewable energy for its decision to close by the end of the year, with the loss of 130 jobs.
Mr Garrett will tell the press club: "We used to lead the world in solar energy technology. Now too many of our solar stars are overseas." Labor has also pledged an increase in the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, rebates for rooftop solar power systems, up to $10,000 in low-interest loans for families to undertake water and energy measures in their homes, and a $500 million clean coal fund.
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