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$500 Rebate To Cut Power Bills In Rental Homes – Federal Labor's Low Emission Plan For Renters

Jane Rowe ALP candidate for Gippsland

A Rudd Labor Government will give a rebate of up to $500 to install energy-efficient insulation in rental homes in Gippsland in a practical measure to help fight climate change, Labor Candidate Jane Rowe said today.

By Jane Rowe - 29th October 2007 - Back to News

$500 REBATE TO CUT POWER BILLS IN RENTAL HOMES – FEDERAL LABOR’S LOW EMISSION PLAN FOR RENTERS

"PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO A SHARED PROBLEM"; ROWE

A Rudd Labor Government will give a rebate of up to $500 to install energy-efficient insulation in rental homes in Gippsland in a practical measure to help fight climate change, Labor Candidate Jane Rowe said today.

"This is exactly the kind of initiative environmental scientists have been calling on Government to implement for years only to find a ‘deaf ear’ in the Federal National/Liberal coalition," Ms Rowe said.

"In contrast Labor has been listening to both scientists and ordinary people living in rental accommodation who want to do their bit to tackle climate change."

"Up to seven and a half thousand rental households right here in Gippsland could benefit from a rebate of up to $500 to cut power bills and greenhouse gas emissions in 300,000 rental properties across Australia."  Ms Rowe said

The Labor Candidate for the Seat of Gippsland said that Federal Labor’s $150 million Low Emission Plan for Renters was the first national program in Australia of its kind to help renters and landlords cut back on energy.

"This saves money on our energy bills and makes homes more comfortable for families to live in – warmer in winter and cooler in summer."  Ms Rowe said.

"And this means the funding goes straight into practical means families and others in rental homes right across the country can address greenhouse gas production in their own lives"

"Every little bit we do counts in the fight to beat dangerous climate change and in doing so we can also significantly decrease energy bills".  Ms Rowe said.

Every year, a single household that installs ceiling insulation at a typical cost of around $1000, could save:

·        more than $300 a year on power bills (Productivity Commission); and

·        Almost one tonne of carbon emissions every year. (ICANZ)

Around 40 per cent of homes currently have no ceiling insulation – making it more expensive to heat and cool our homes (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Under Federal Labor’s Plan, landlords could apply for a rebate of 30 per cent – up to $500 for each property – to install insulation in a rental property.

Federal Labor will work with the real estate industry and landlords to do this.

Ms Rowe again reminded voters that Federal Labor would also act on climate change by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

Federal Labor has a comprehensive plan to tackle climate change:

·        Green Loans of up to $10,000 to install insulation and other practical measures for individual homeowners;

·        Rebates on solar panels and rainwater tanks in every Australian school;

·        Establishing an emissions trading scheme by 2010;

·        $500 million for a National Clean Coal Initiative; and

·        $500 million Green Car Innovation Fund.

Media Contact: Jane Rowe 0424 157 584

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: howardw@aapt.net.au

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  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  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.
• 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.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
  Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s mismanaged renewable energy transition, as targets remain unachievable
  Three Gippsland offshore wind projects have collapsed and a fourth stalled, with Nationals’ Melina Bath criticising the Allan government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and rising energy insecurity.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
  Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• East Gippsland Council to install raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting on Lakes Entrance Church Street
  East Gippsland Council will install two raised pedestrian crossings and improved lighting on Church Street, Lakes Entrance, enhancing safety, prioritising pedestrians, and supporting safer travel for residents and visitors.