2010-2011-2012

 

THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

 

THE SENATE

 

 

Solar Hot Water Rebate Bill 2012

 

 

 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

 

(Circulated by authority of Senator Birmingham)

 

Solar Hot Water Rebate Bill 2012

Explanatory Memorandum

Senator Birmingham

 

Background

The Government prematurely closed its $1000 Solar Hot Water Rebate (the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme—Solar Hot Water Rebate) on 28 February 2012. Businesses and homeowners were given no prior notice of the closure of the program, and homeowners had no effective notice to submit their application in order to remain eligible. These actions have put workers out of jobs and businesses at risk of financial ruin.

 

The Government’s own February 2012 Budget Update shows that $63.5 million funding was allocated to the Solar Hot Water Rebate in 2011-12 and $24.5 million was set aside for the program in 2012-13.

 

Objective

This Bill requires the Government to reinstate the remaining portion of the $63.5 million funding allocated to the Solar Hot Water Rebate in 2011-12.