New government, new opportunities for climate action

The recent election demonstrated that climate action has finally become a defining policy. Here’s a peak at what we can expect from Labor’s policies based on their election promises.?

Powering Australia Plan

Driving Australia’s push to net zero is Labor’s Powering Australia Plan:

• Committing $20 billion to the Rewiring the Nation Plan, aimed at modernising our electricity grid;
• Investing up to $3 billion in renewable manufacturing, renewable metals and renewable hydrogen electrolysers;
• Investing $200 million in 400 community batteries; and
• Co-investing $100 million in 85 community solar banks nationally

New Energy Apprentices and New Energy Skills Program

Labor has promised to invest $100 million to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships in areas such as solar installation and maintenance, energy efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses, green hydrogen, renewable manufacturing and agricultural activities.

Electric Vehicles (EV)

EVs should get cheaper with a commitment to exempt EV’s below the luxury car tax price threshold ($84,916) from the 5% import tariff (allowing you to pocket savings of up to $4,245), and an exemption from the 47% fringe benefits tax. There will also be a doubling of investment to $500 million into the Driving the Nation fund, including making chargers available at intervals of 150km on major roads.

Disappointingly, Labor withdrew its proposal to introduce fuel efficiency standards in Australia, which many consider a cheap, easy and efficient reform to reduce emissions and make EVs more accessible. If you’re interested in understanding more about this issue, check out our previous update here.

Introducing a National Environmental Protection Agency

Labor has committed to establishing a National Environmental Protection Agency. The agency will be responsible for compliance assurance and enforcement, and for compiling environmental data, information and analysis. We know there is ongoing destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, and native species habitats, but finally we’ll have the data and enforcement abilities to prevent it.

With both major parties losing seats to the Greens and climate-driven independents, the election demonstrated there is a clear national mandate for decisive climate action. Labor’s policies suggest we have finally made it to the starting line in the race to net zero, now it’s time to sprint.

Questions? Give us a call.?