Ellen pushes for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target in Parliament
Ms SANDELL (Melbourne) — My question is to the Minister for Energy and Resources. The government has recently announced its intention to introduce a Victorian renewable energy target (VRET), which I commend. However, the government has indicated that it will only introduce a VRET if the federal government removes section 7C from the commonwealth's renewable energy target legislation. If Abbott will not agree to change the law, will the Victorian government commit to introducing a VRET — —
Honourable members interjecting.
The SPEAKER — Order! Government and opposition members will allow the member for Melbourne to ask her question in silence.
Ms SANDELL — If the Prime Minister will not agree to change the law, will the Victorian government commit to introducing a Victorian renewable energy target that is not substantially similar to the commonwealth scheme to top up the RET, in a similar way to what the Australian Capital Territory has done?
Later in Parliament Ellen continues:
Ms SANDELL (Melbourne) — I thank the minister for her answer. Other jurisdictions have not let federal inaction get in the way of state action on renewable energy. Can the minister explain what policy options she has considered for a scheme that is not in conflict with section 7C of the commonwealth scheme in the event that the Prime Minister will not change the law? For example, has she considered a feed-in tariff or contracts for difference policy options or other policy options that are not in conflict with 7C?