NSW: Solar means test should be stopped, not tweaked: opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2008
NSW: Solar means test should be stopped, not tweaked: opposition

SYDNEY, Aug 2 AAP - The federal opposition says neither the industry nor the environment
will benefit if the Rudd government raises the income bar on its solar panel rebate means
test.

In May, the federal government announced that families earning more than $100,000 would
not be eligible for the $8,000 rebate for installing solar panels.

But the opposition's spokesman for climate change, environment and urban water, Greg
Hunt, says a means test makes it harder for anyone trying to reduce their emissions and
the test should be scrapped.

Mr Hunt expects Environment Minister Peter Garrett to announce as early as today that
he will raise the income bar on the means test.

"Some industry sources believe Mr Garrett will soon announce the Government will increase
the means test on the solar panel rebate program from $100,000 to $150,000," Mr Hunt said.

"Not scrap the means test, simply tweak it."

"But this would still be a bad result for Australia's solar industry and for home owners
wanting to install solar panels," he said

"It still makes it harder for many people who want to install solar in their homes.

It would still treat the rebate as welfare, not a positive incentive to boost the renewable
sector in Australia."

Mr Hunt said means testing the rebate had turned it into a welfare payment of sorts
and that defeated the purpose of the scheme, which had always been to help the environment.

The rebate scheme was introduced by the previous Howard government, and demand has
tripled since the rebate was doubled last year.

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KEYWORD: SOLAR HUNT

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