Environment position

This is a concern for most voters in Aston.  Whether this is to the left-wing side of politics or the right-wing side.  Most voters have an opinion.  I am an evidence-based person, and I am guided by evidence for my position.

Where I stand.

The worlds environment has always been in a state of change – long before man walked on earth’s surface.  Science and history show that the earth heats up, goes through a catastrophic change and then cools down.  This is what science tells us.

Science also show that humans are contributing to the accelerated rate of global warming.  Science also show that we can influence the rate by reducing our contributing factors to why earth is heating up at the rate it is.

Climate change

Our climate is changing.  As stated above, the earths climate has always been in a constant state of change. 

Australia has always been known for extreme weather.  I work in emergency management, and the science also tells me that these extreme events are occurring more frequently, are more severe and are having greater impacts.

Actions

Renewable energy

Whilst there are lots of different scenarios about how long oil and gas will be available, there is one thing that is important to note – this is not an infinite energy source – it will run out – as the volume declines, the cost increases and this will impact each and every person.

I support that we need to be taking action on developing renewable energy options – because one day, we are going to need it – maybe not in my lifetime, but as a government, I believe, we have the responsibility to plan for longer than just beyond my term of government.

Opportunity

I see renewable energy, if rolled out correctly, can provide a positive outcome to reduce the actual cost of living.  Not necessarily in the way that politicians view it at the moment.

The use of solar has been popular for the past 20+ years.  Yes, producing energy on our roofs is great, but it is not a full solution.  What currently happens is that peak energy production time is between 1.00pm to 3.00pm – (this varies on the time of year, but you get the theory).  Most people work between these hours – therefore your energy use is low anyway. 

The energy companies, supported by the government, has tariffs set up that means off peak runs until 3:00pm and have lower tariffs, peak tariffs which can be more than 50% higher cost than off peak runs from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.  For most home solar generations systems, this is also when our solar panels are less efficient or not producing any energy.

Solar power works to support the system in two ways, firstly, you use the power your panels produce and that reduces your energy costs.  Secondly, excess electricity that is produced is returned to the power grid and is then sold by the energy companies to other customers. We used to get feed-in tariffs.  These have been and continue to be reduced over time.  In effect now your house needs to produce 10 kilowatts of power to cover the cost of each kilowatt that you use in peak time – that is if you can access a feed in rate.

In recent years, we have seen the evolution of local electricity storage through household batteries.  These are effective but expensive options.

My proposal

Residential

I support the installation of batteries to all homes that have solar systems installed and by ensuring that all future solar panels systems are supported by storage systems.  This will allow you to use the power you have produced at your home, when you need to.  This will significantly reduce the power usage during peak times, it will reduce your power bill and it will decrease the stress on the grid during these peak times, because you will not be drawing off the grid.

Public Infrastructure

I would advocate for Aston to become a trial electorate for the rollout of storage systems for all Aston public infrastructure.  Sporting Clubs, Schools, Kindergartens, and Council Buildings would be equipped with Solar Panel Systems and Solar Storage Systems.  Many people don’t know that schools, kindergartens and sporting clubs need to pay for their energy out of existing budgets.  This means that these costs are passed onto us, the users.  If we could significantly reduce these costs, then the services provided could be done significantly cheaper.

Environmental benefits

The reduction of the use of electricity, during peak periods, that need to be supported by fossil fuel systems, would then be reduced and therefore have a positive impact on the human contribution to global warming and perhaps reduce the rate of climate change.

How do we pay for this plan?

I am proposing that we tax our mining and corporate sector appropriately.  In Norway, natural resource mining is taxed at a rate of 78%.  The funds that are generated goes back to their social welfare policies.  I am proposing in Australia that a tax rate of 50% of the sale price of natural resources be applied to each and every resource that is produced in Australia.

See my taxation position for more details.

Diversity of renewable energy

Placing all of our resources in solar is not smart – what happens if there is an interruption to solar generation – i.e., a volcanic eruption that causes reduced solar influence.  We need alternatives.

Wind and Hydro power generation must also be considered to support our renewable energy sources.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy has been around for decades.

This has recently been the focus of a lot of debate after the Liberal Party announced its nuclear energy plans.

My position is that I want to see more independent information on the proposal. On one side we have the argument that it is the only option, and the other side is arguing that it will be disastrous.  My view is that the truth to all of the arguments will lay somewhere in the middle. 

Whilst I won’t rule out supporting nuclear energy, my support would only come after the claims from both sides of the arguments can be tested and independent, evidence-based information can be provided to us to make an informed decision.

The other concern I have with the nuclear debate is that this might (the arguments make it unclear), provide energy price relief in a couple of decades.

Energy costs relief needed now

We need the relief for energy costs now, not in 15-20 years’ time.  The alternative is that every household gets a $300 reduction in energy costs.  It is something, but in reality, it does not even cover the daily costs of having an electricity account.  Most daily account costs are almost or over $1.00 per day.

By reducing the amount of energy used, particularly during the residential peak times, then we are reducing the amount we need to pay to electricity supply companies.  We are reducing our bills, we are reducing the pressure to approve increased prices for electricity as we become less grid dependent.