Fri, 16th May 2008

Tanner's attack on the solar business sector

The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water

Lindsay Tanner today mounted an appalling attack on the solar industry and the people who rely on it for their jobs.

Mr Tanner told ABC Radio in Adelaide that it’s too bad if companies were impacted by the Budget hit on the solar panel rebate.

He said they shouldn’t expect to rely on things like the solar homes scheme.

After a Budget decision that could well devastate parts of the solar industry, his comments are a slap in the face for affected small businesses and those who now stand to lose their jobs.

The comments represent an arrogant disregard for hard working Australians and people who want to make an investment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Tanner needs to be reminded that this was a broken promise on the part of the Rudd Government to strip the rebate from thousands of households.

Clearly he is not listening to the public and industry outcry on this Budget hit.

He should apologise and withdraw his comments.