The following media release was issued by Australian Greens deputy-leader, Senator Christine Milne, today. It reveals the shallowness of all the other parties when it comes to support for renewable energy.

The Government and Opposition closed ranks again today against the interests of Australia’s solar power industry.

Labor, the Liberals, the Nationals and Steve Fielding all voted against a Greens motion to underpin the flawed Solar Flagships program with vital loan guarantees, a feed-in tariff and grid connection support, even though there is clear global evidence that this will be necessary for the solar industry to flourish in Australia.

“Rudd Labor is being exposed as more interested in photo ops with solar panels than in actually creating jobs and reducing emissions with a flourishing Australian solar industry,” Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

“The Rudd Government’s Solar Flagships program is increasingly being seen by industry as a classic ‘Hollow Men’ idea without any policy backing. It has been delayed for 18 months and is attracting criticism for being unworkable from the very companies it is supposed to support.

“It is no wonder that Australian solar technicians and entrepreneurs are still going overseas at a great rate, taking advantage of feed-in tariffs and supportive governments in Europe, Asia and North America.

“It is worth noting that the Nationals Senators voted against their own party’s new policy of supporting a feed-in tariff.”