Is anybody listening?

It is probably not polite to point it out, but we notice (and report) that seemingly everything green and clean that the Australian Government attempts to promote, turns to dust not gold. Elected with a mandate to deal with climate change, and beyond the quick and symbolic gesture to ratify Kyoto, the Labor Government has had a succession of failures.  

A very complicated and costly CPRS is going back to Parliament this week. It is unlikely to pass muster. And this with a mere 5% emissions reduction target. The Greens and the Coalition have some alternative ideas worth listening to.    

The Renewable Energy Target for 2020 will not be reached without the Government making it worthwhile for investors. Its REC scheme is failing to do that and the industry wants it changed. 

The Green Loan scheme is the latest disaster, as we report this week. We have had earlier on again/off again solar panel incentives, leaving the suppliers and householders confused and annoyed, while the home insulation scheme has been rife with rogues, rorts and regrets.   

Voluntary carbon offset providers like Greenfleet are calling for clarity and direction, even though Government has already decided to demolish the very workable Greenhouse Friendly programme. 

Is anybody listening? What’s needed is some real leadership. In the meantime, read on. There is good news somewhere.

                                                 Ken Hickson