Tim Smith ‘disgusted’ by Victorian Liberals promise to legislate on emissions reductions by 2030

Outgoing Liberal MP Tim Smith has branded his party’s unexpected pledge to legislate a 50 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 as “reckless and desperate”.

Outgoing Liberal MP Tim Smith has declared he is “disgusted” by his own party’s bold new climate stance, branding it “reckless and desperate”.

The Victorian opposition this week announced its new climate policy, which it will take to the November election, promising to legislate a 50 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.

The Andrews government already has a 50 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030, but its interim target has not been legislated. It is also more ambitious than the federal government’s target of a 43 per cent reduction by 2030.

But Mr Smith, who won’t be contesting the upcoming state election after he crashed his car into the fence of a family home while drunk, said the policy would result in the closure of more coal-fired power stations.

“It’s a desperate policy that is completely at odds with Liberal values and the wants of Liberal supporters,” he told Sky News.

“I’m disgusted by it, and frankly, what’s the Liberal Party’s plan in Victoria to keep the lights on?

“The policy fails to address what will replace the loss of base load energy capacity. It’s reckless and desperate.

“The Western Australia Liberals tried this trick before their state election and now they can fit into a Volkswagen Polo. There’s only two members in the lower house.”

Tim Smith won’t be contesting the upcoming state election after he crashed his car into the fence of a family home while drunk. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

It comes after Liberal leader Matthew Guy on Sunday said the interim targets set in Victoria should be fixed through legislation rather than “aspirational”, when he announced his party’s new climate policy.

“By writing into law an emission reduction of 50 per cent by 2030, we will send the strongest possible signal that action on climate change is a priority,” Mr Guy said.

“The Liberals and Nationals have a sensible plan and real solutions to build the energy system of the future, meaning more reliable, cheaper and clean power for all Victorians.”

Climate action commitments announced by the Coalition included a $1bn clean hydrogen strategy, which would fund research and development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure to connect hydrogen to the grid.

A transmission infrastructure upgrade in western Victoria to increase renewable energy capacity, and the legislation of a “local gas guarantee” to expand supply within six months of being elected were also among the opposition’s promises.

Matthew Guy said not everyone in the Coalition would “necessarily agree immediately” with the policy shift. Picture: AFP

Victoria needed to take “sensible steps” to achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050, Mr Guy said.

“It’s not about dictating energy supply and energy generation methods, it’s about going to market and having a market-led response.

“We’re looking at how we can advance hydrogen as a key part of how we deliver energy cleanly and sensibly into the future,” he said.

Clean Energy Council chief executive Kate Thornton welcomed the Coalition’s commitment. “This will translate to greater confidence for investors so they can push ahead with important renewable energy projects,” Ms Thornton said.

Premier Daniel Andrews declined to say on Sunday whether the government would support legislating the 2030 target, but took a swipe at the Opposition’s previous stance on climate change.

“I’m not here today to make any announcements about climate action policy,” Mr Andrews said.

“Apparently people who were opposed to renewable energy and didn’t believe in climate change just a few weeks ago are suddenly converts.”

Mr Guy said not everyone in the Coalition would “necessarily agree immediately” with the policy shift.

“The federal government has made it clear there is going to be legislation … so let’s not fight anymore. I’m not a pale imitation of any other Liberal leader or any Labor leader.”

How you could score $4K clean energy rebate

At least a million additional Victorian homes would have solar panels and battery storage by 2035 under an ambitious energy plan from Opposition Leader Matthew Guy.

New incentives would also be provided to get the technology installed in rental properties.

In a major election pitch that will seek to challenge Labor on its credentials in renewable energy, the Liberals will announce its “power to the people” plan on Saturday.

If elected in November, a Liberal National government would make up to $4400 available for both solar and battery installations in at least 1 million homes.

Solar rebates would be available up to $1400 for homeowners while payments of $3000 would be provided for home batteries.

The Victorian Coalition say this change will improve Labor’s current scheme by allowing

Victorians to claim rebates for both rather than being forced to choose one option.

At least a million homes would be fitted with solar panels and battery storage under the plan. Picture: Mark Stewart

Mr Guy will cite figures that just three per cent of rooftop solar additions in the state have included a battery when installed and that these are vital to our energy future.

Data from the federal clean energy regulator for Victoria shows that since 2018 there have been just 8461 recorded cases where solar panels and home batteries were provided together.

Authorities across Australia are currently rushing to deliver improvements to the national energy grid as more generation comes from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

A large store of battery power that can be topped up throughout the day has been flagged as a key measure to replace the reliability of retiring coal-fired stations.

Providing more stable energy supply into the network will also help protect against the peaks and troughs that can lead to price shocks.

The other parts of the Liberal Nationals plan will be a doubling of the same rebate, about $8800 in total, for rental households so that landlords install this technology in at least 100,000 properties.

More solar panels will also be installed in public buildings, such as schools and social housing.

Mr Guy said that the plan would lower bills and emissions while also providing more control over our energy system.

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy will reveal details of the ‘Power to the People’ plan on Saturday. Picture: David Geraghty

“Our plan gives households control over their power bills and will mean a more stable, lower emissions grid for the wider community,” he said.

“By backing up solar with batteries, the Liberals and Nationals will put the power back in households’ hands and make Victoria the heart of renewable energy in Australia.”

Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton welcomed the policy and said there was a clear role for government to help homes install batteries.

“Solar power has been around longer and has been deployed to the point we now have 3 million solar systems across Australia,” he said.

“Batteries are newer and haven’t reached the same scale so the costs are still coming down.

“Now is a really good time for governments to provide some more support for batteries.”
Mr Thornton said home batteries provided more energy storage for the entire system and clear economic benefits for families set to be hit with high bills for some time.

Opposition energy and renewables spokesman Craig Ondarchie said rising costs were hurting Victorian households.

“Renewables and batteries work hand-in-hand but currently, too many households are missing out under the current scheme which forces households to choose between solar panels or batteries,” he said.

“Our plan will slash energy costs while paving the way for a lower emissions future.”