Antinuclear

For Australia – renewable energy -YES, Martin Ferguson -NO

one key obstacle remaining: the energy minister. Martin Ferguson is not only ideologically opposed to climate action, to most kinds of renewable energy and to talking to the Greens, but he is also not a negotiator. He should be replaced in the portfolio with a more effective player who both supports action but will also be a good negotiator.

A good chance to push renewables,  Green Left Weekly, September 18, 2010By Tim Hollo “…..This parliament can and should deliver the most exciting, ambitious renewable energy policies Australia has ever seen. The next two years may be the best opportunity for renewables we ever get, so let’s start working to grab it.

It’s an extraordinary irony that this should be the case after an election campaign that saw funds being ripped out of renewables programs at a record rate by both Labor and the Coalition, but it is far from the only irony of this election result and I am certain that it is the case…..

Labor, relegated to minority status but returned to government nevertheless, ran solidly through the campaign with a positive message about “record investments in renewable energy”….

The Greens received by far the biggest swing of any party at this election and, at almost 4%, a very sizable swing by any definition. That swing was achieved on the back of having put to the electorate by far the most ambitious plans for renewable energy of any political party in Australian history…..

the three country independents — including Bob Katter, who chose not to support Labor for his own personal reasons but whose vote will still often be crucial for passing legislation — have all publicly recognised the tremendous economic and social benefits of moving to renewable energy……

All this adds up to a very interesting situation when you recognise that the real strength of minority is in being more ambitious, not less, than a majority. The big old parties clearly feel constrained in majority government and reform agendas too often go out the window…..

With all these stars aligned there is, however, one key obstacle remaining: the energy minister. Martin Ferguson is not only ideologically opposed to climate action, to most kinds of renewable energy and to talking to the Greens, but he is also not a negotiator. He should be replaced in the portfolio with a more effective player who both supports action but will also be a good negotiator.

A good chance to push renewables | Green Left Weekly

September 20, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy, people, politics, solar, wind | antinuclear, Australia, carbon, climate change, energy, renewable, solar, wind