Finkel shows we’re right: Bill Shorten

Bill Shorten seizes on new report by Alan Finkel as evidence Labor’s 50 per cent renewables target is “the right path”

Bill Shorten with Kristina Keneally over the weekend. Picture: Britta Campion.

Bill Shorten has seized on Alan Finkel’s contradiction of the Turnbull government’s claims that Labor’s 50 per cent renewables target by 2030 is irresponsible, hailing the Chief Scientist’s comments as yet more “scientific and economic evidence” that Labor’s policy is “the right path”.

Dr Finkel has issued a major report saying Labor’s target could easily be met without jeopardising reliability, arguing batteries in households with rooftop solar power would be enough to underwrite Australia’s entire energy reliability requirement by 2030.

The Opposition Leader said Australians were sick and tired of getting large gas and electricity bills.

“The greatest driver of increased prices for energy and business is a lack of policy certainty,” Mr Shorten said.

“Mr Turnbull wants to try to pretend we don’t have to change and can just keep reinvesting and reinvesting in coal-fired power stations.

“Labor is the party of cheaper energy and genuine action on climate change and more jobs that come from investment in renewable energy.

“The Chief Scientist of Australia has confirmed yet again Labor’s policies to encourage take-up of renewable energy is good science, good business, good economics and it’s good for jobs and good for the every day cost of every day Australian households.”