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Labor Cover-Up On Renewable Energy

The Bracks Government is covering up an independent review that identified flaws in its Victorian Renewable Energy policy, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Philip Davis said today.

By Phillip Davis - 17th August 2006 - Back to News

Mr Davis said Labor’s Energy Minister Theo Theophanous has refused to release the original business impact statement prepared by McLennan Magasanik Associates, because a review by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has found the energy policy to be seriously flawed.

Mr Theophanous last week told Parliament the McLennan Magasanik Associates report would not be released due to ‘commercially sensitive issues’.

However the Liberal Party believes the real reason why the Minister will not release the report is because a subsequent analysis of the report by VCEC found the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET), implemented by the Victorian Renewable Energy Bill now before Parliament, would have a negative impact on Victoria’s economy.

"VCEC is required to provide independent advice as to adequacy of any business impact statements and the Victorian public has a right to know the results of VCEC’s analysis," Mr Davis said.

"The Liberal Party has applied through Freedom of Information to obtain relevant documents relating to VCEC’s analysis, and we will make this information public.

"It is obvious the Energy Minister has something to hide, if not, why will he not release these documents?

"All these circumstances point to the Bracks Government attempting to cover-up the real impacts the Victorian Renewable Energy policy will have on Victoria’s economy."

Mr Davis said VRET was nothing more than a pricing transfer scheme from consumers to wind farm developers.

"VRET will cost Victorian energy consumers an additional $80 per household per year," he said.

"It will also cost more than 1000 jobs.

"The damaging economic impacts of this policy have been covered up by the Bracks Labor Government in another attempt to fool Victorians with spin."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
  East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Melina Bath urges urgent review of neighbourhood houses funding to prevent closures and protect vital services across Gippsland
  Melina Bath urges urgent review of Neighbourhood House funding in Eastern Victoria, warning closures and service cuts threaten vital community support for vulnerable residents.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.