Wednesday, 8 June 2022

 Ms WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (17:43): I rise today to speak on the Environment and Planning Committee’s report on the inquiry into renewable energy in Victoria. If this report brings attention to one thing, it is that when it comes to renewables and climate action the Andrews Labor government is delivering. This report highlights not only the critical investments we have already made to support a transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy but also the incredible achievements of government-led initiatives such as the Solar Homes program, which has seen Victoria attain one of the highest levels of solar uptake in the world. Over the lifetime of this government Victoria’s share of renewable energy generators has risen from around 12.2 per cent in 2013–14 to 29.4 per cent over the 2020–21 financial year—a remarkable increase that has well and truly surpassed the targets outlined in our climate change strategy. Though there is still more work to be done, we have clearly created the foundational structures and policy that will turn this state into a renewable energy powerhouse, the benefits of which will be enormous.

One thing that stood out for me was the incredible projected jobs growth outlined in the report. As ClimateWorks noted in their submission, direct and indirect job creation in the renewables sector is estimated to be more than 2½ times that of the fossil fuel industry. This will include job opportunities in the construction, operation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure. We have already seen the effects of this, with 7800 jobs created in the Victorian renewables sector in 2020 alone.

The government is also working to address future workplace needs in the renewable energy sector. We have invested $1 billion to upgrade our TAFE infrastructure and provide over 80 000 new training places to educate the renewable energy industry workers of tomorrow. This is further supported by the Clean Economy Workforce Capacity Building Fund and the clean economy workforce strategy, which will enhance curriculum design, learning resources and VET workforce capability. These initiatives will also play a vital role in facilitating a just transition for those currently working in the fossil fuel sector, providing them with the upskilling and training necessary to move to the renewable energy industry. In this area, as the report suggests, the Victorian government has a strong track record, evidenced by the success of our Latrobe Valley support package. This $266 million package includes the establishment of the Latrobe Valley Authority and the worker transition scheme, enabling the government to work with the Gippsland community to assist those affected by the closure of Hazelwood power station and create a plan for the region’s economic future. Through this we provided workers with opportunities for job transitions, training, personal and financial counselling, and retirement, which helped 79 per cent of the 736 workers impacted by the closure to find new employment.

Coming from a health background, the positive impact that moving to renewables will have on the health and wellbeing of all Victorians is not lost on me. This report indicates that around 3000 people are killed each year by the effects of air pollution, with scores more suffering from fossil fuel related respiratory illnesses, cancer and heart disease. If done swiftly, our move to renewables will help mitigate these health risks, improving air quality and saving lives in the process. Clearly the Victorian government’s commitment to moving away from fossil fuels is not just about doing what is best for the environment but also about doing what is best for the health and wellbeing of Victorians.

Of course these significant achievements would not have been possible without the tireless work of the Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and also Minister for Solar Homes in the other place. As this report notes, the Victorian government has emerged as a national leader in the fight to combat climate change, and this is largely due to Minister D’Ambrosio’s passion, dedication and commitment to achieving climate justice for all Victorians. It is truly easy to make noise from the sidelines, but talk is cheap, and this Labor government is getting on with the job of delivering real climate action with real results.