Historic Coalition Calls for Urgent Electricity Reforms

Wednesday, 06 October 2004 10:00

The Package tackles inadequate protections for low-income consumers and spiralling greenhouse emissions caused by inefficient consumption. South Australians have been hardest hit by the move to a competitive market.

"We call on both the major parties to endorse this reform Package to improve conditions for consumers and the environment," said Jane Castle, Total Environment Centre (TEC) campaigner.

"Both parties have shirked responsibility for the effects of the market on spiralling greenhouse emissions and energy bills. It's been left to the minor parties to take a stand against the rapacious profiteering by the coal lobby and the greedy energy companies."

The Australian Progressive Alliance and the South Australian Greens have endorsed the Amendment Package. Senator Meg Lees has called on Federal and state governments to reform the National Electricity Market so that it recognises environmental and social objectives. The Member for Mitchell, Kris Hanna has also called on the Rann Government to take action.

Carolyn Bond, Consumers' Federation of Australia Chair, said: "The reform of electricity markets needs to take into account low-income consumers who aren't in a strong position to bargain."

"South Australians have been used as guinea pigs in the energy market experiment," said Ms Castle. "These amendments will begin to reverse this trend, tackling the energy market flaws at their very source."

"The energy market has not emerged as a key election issue because both the major parties prefer the mess to be left behind closed doors. It's time for both parties to admit they've made mistakes and consult more openly with the community."

Signatories:
ACT Council of Social Service
Alternative Technology Association
Australian Conservation Foundation
Climate Action Network Australia
Conservation Council of SA
Consumer Law Centre of Victoria
Consumers Federation of Australia
Environment Victoria
Environmental Defenders Office
Moreland Energy Foundation
Nature Conservation Council of NSW
NSW Council of Social Service
Public Interest Advisory Centre
QLD Conservation Council
QLD Consumers Association
SA Council of Social Service
Tasmanian Conservation Council
Tasmanian Council of Social Service
Total Environment Centre
WWF
National Electricity Market Amendment Package: http://www.tec.org.au/member/tec/projects/Energy/NEL.html
 

For further information:

Contact: Jane Castle or Jeff Angel
Phone: 61 2 9299 5599
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www.tec.org.au