Parents relieved by investment in energy, but remain alarmed by support for big polluters

Reacting to the federal budget, Australian Parents for Climate Action (AP4CA) welcomes new investment in smart, long-term cost relief for Australian households and social housing.

Nic Seton, CEO for Australian Parents for Climate Action said: “We welcome the increased attention on long-term energy cost solutions for Australian families who are battling rising bills. Clean and efficient energy solutions are the surest path to reducing energy costs. But these announcements only go part way towards upgrading Australian homes, and more is needed to ensure all homes provide affordable comfort through equitable access to cheap clean energy solutions.”

In response to the continued support for climate-polluting industries, he said: “It is disappointing to see ongoing protection for fossil fuel profits when prioritising climate solutions couldn’t be more urgent.

“Fossil fuel subsidies were estimated to be as high as $11.6 billion last year, and the modest rise in rent-tax for oil and gas means those industries continue to keep record profits while Australians continue to pay record prices. We need to see more support for homes, schools and businesses to access cheaper, clean and efficient energy solutions because investing in fossil fuels is investing in climate harm and that’s not a risk Australian parents want to take for their kids.”

In a survey of households run last year, AP4CA found that 95% of those surveyed wanted government help to be more energy efficient at home to manage the rising cost of living. 

“We know action on climate is action on cost of living,” Mr Seton said. “Australian families are really struggling with the cost of living, and they expect the government to invest more in the long-term solutions that would permanently bring down power prices”

Australian Parents for Climate Action represents over 17,000 parents, grandparents and carers from across Australia. We are Australia’s leading organisation for parents advocating for a safe climate. 

Notes:

$1.6 billion in new spending for households and businesses will reduce cost of living pressures and cut greenhouse emissions. It includes:

• $300 million for electrification and energy performance upgrades for social housing
• $1 billion in new funding for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to offer solar, storage and electric upgrade finance for low-income households and small businesses via 110,000 loans.
• $310m in tax deductions for small businesses that invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures known as the Small Business Energy Incentive