Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

The government is committed to a clean energy future and to supporting clean energy jobs here in Australia. The most significant long-term support for the solar hot water industry will come from a carbon price.

I would also note to the senator, through you Mr President, that when this program was first announced in 2007 by the member for Wentworth, it was stated that it would close in 2012. Accordingly, the government's decision announced this week should be seen as consistent with the program announce­ment made by the coalition.

The government has supported some 250,000 installations. This is some 25,000 more installations than were promised by the coalition government. We increased the budget for this rebate by $194 million, and we are still providing ongoing incentives for the installation of solar hot water systems. This support comes through the renewable energy target and the delivery of renewable energy certificates. I am advised that households installing a typical solar hot water system will still receive between $800 and $1,000 in renewable energy certificates.

The senator might be aware that the government introduced the changes to the Renewable Energy Target Scheme in 2009 to deliver on the government's commitment to achieve 20 per cent of Australia's electricity supply coming from renewable sources by 2020, expanding on the previous mandatory renewable energy target.

The government is continuing its support for the solar hot water industry. I am advised that the department has been in contact with solar hot water manufacturers, and I am also advised that the installation of solar hot water heaters, in addition to the renewable energy target certificate support, will be eligible for support under the Low Carbon Communities program, which is worth over $330 million. (Time expired)