SA Liberals introduce net zero legislation

The South Australian Liberal Party has introduced legislation to transform the South Australian economy to net zero emissions by 2050, and to 50 per cent by 2030.

This has happened just a day after the South Australian Parliament declared a climate emergency and on the same day the Malinauskas Labor Government has inexplicably announced they will be axing two programs which encourage the take up of renewable energy options as well as provide cost of living relief to South Australians.

Leader of the Opposition David Speirs said the current Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 is outdated and the new legislation recognised the changing South Australian economy.

“The South Australian Liberal Party is committed to practical action on climate change and is beyond slogans, rhetoric and virtue signalling which has unfortunately become a hallmark of Labor and the left,” Mr Speirs said.

“Our state is well placed to grab hold of the opportunity to create those green industries and transition to a decarbonised economy, creating jobs, creating solutions, both in emissions mitigation and in adapting our society, because inevitably the climate is changing.

“This is why we have introduced legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“Inexplicably just a day after declaring a climate emergency in South Australia the Malinauskas Labor Government has axed two programs which encourage the take up of renewable energy options as well as ease cost of living pressures. Amazingly, the Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis has been quoted as saying ‘I’m glad we’re killing it’.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero Stephen Patterson has expressed his disappointment at these programs being cut and again calls for Labor to reveal its plan to reduce power prices and ease the cost of living burden on South Australians.

“The Home Battery Scheme and Switch for Solar programs were key planks of the former Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to lower the price of electricity of South Australian households and businesses,” Mr Patterson said.

“These programs were supported by key stakeholders, including the Conservation Council of South Australia and the Clean Energy Council.

“As the cost of living for South Australians is rising, this Labor Government turns around and gives them the cold shoulder, abandoning programs that would ease the burden.

“Electricity prices are going up and Tom Koutsantonis thinks it’s okay to cut proven programs with wide community support that would reduce bills for pensioners and other vulnerable South Australians.

“Tom Koutsantonis’ experimental hydrogen plan only claims to reduce power prices for industry – which begs the question: how are they going to combat rising household electricity bills?

“Instead of cutting proven programs, Tom Koutsantonis and Labor need to explain to South Australians what they’re doing to ease the cost of living right when they need it most.”