Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and the action I seek is that regulations be reviewed so households can choose whether they want their solar water heaters connected to gas or not.
Minister, under outdated regulations, new homes built in Victoria which have a solar hot water system installed must have them gas boosted. This is limiting the choices of thousands of Victorians each year. It is unnecessarily locking in gas as a fuel choice and it is impacting the ability of Victorian families to save money and reduce emissions. A simple and targeted amendment to the plumbing regulations would allow households the choice of installing either an efficient gas or an electric solar water heater in their homes.
Minister, many will talk about action on climate change, many will spend countless hours and dollars on marketing campaigns or on taking credit for the hard work of others, but when it comes to the question of who has actually delivered, that is when the field drops down to the very few. Here in Victoria Labor governments have proven their record. Labor governments deliver. It was the Cain government that set the first target for emissions reductions in 1990, and it was the Bracks government that was world leading in creating a wind energy industry right here in Victoria. It was the Brumby government that commenced the shutdown of Hazelwood, halted by the opposition but renewed by this government. It was the Andrews government that created the Latrobe Valley Authority with the express purpose of helping the valley through that difficult transition. And when it comes to solar, Labor’s record is unmatched.
Minister, my community was thrilled to hear the recent announcement of the second renewable energy target auction that will bring to life a further 600 megawatts of renewable energy. Since 2014 renewable energy has increased from 10 per cent of our power to 25 per cent this year. We are well on our way to meet our 50 per cent target by 2030. We do not just talk, we deliver. But, Minister, as you know, reducing our carbon footprint is not just about changing the energy mix. There are also practical steps we can take to reduce demand for fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of homes, vehicles and consumables. That is why I am asking for an improvement to these regulations. Currently if you build a home or are replacing your hot-water system, the regulations stipulate that if you choose solar hot water, it must also be connected to a gas booster. These regulations originated in 2005, but technology has improved and we have increased renewable energy penetration in the grid. Minister, this is a simple, practical step that gives consumers more choice, leads to more energy efficiency, lowers bills and adds to our track record on reducing emissions. I know my community would greatly welcome it.
