Solar program cuts threaten NSW jobs

Date: 28 October 2010

Manufacturing workers are opposing the NSW government's decision to slash its solar bonus scheme, saying it puts the solar panel industry in serious jeopardy.

The AMWU raised concerns local manufacturers would reconsider their investment in the scheme following the NSW government announcement on Wednesday.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally announced cuts to the solar bonus scheme tariff from 60 cents to 20 cents per kilowatt hour because it needed to slow down the higher than expected take-up of the scheme.

Tim Ayres, the NSW Secretary of the AMWU, said that the high take up should be seen as a success and not discouraged.

"This move by the NSW government is hasty and ill considered," he said.

"As well as cutting production of clean energy, it puts skilled jobs at risk.

"It is yet another blow to attempts by local clean-tech manufacturers to establish sustainable operations in this state."

Solar has been used as a scapegoat by a government facing pressure over rising power prices due to ageing infrastructure, Mr Ayres added.

"One of the biggest issues facing our state is how to create a clean and sustainable energy future for NSW," he said.

"The challenge this government should be facing up to is how to move into the clean-energy era while also supporting investment and jobs in the cleantech sector."

For further information

Contact:	Tim Ayres
Union:	AMWU NSW State Secretary
WWW:	http://www.amwu.org.au/

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