Leader of the Opposition

LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA
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MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 6 April 2020

Rock bottom solar tariff snuck in under COVID-19 cloak 

The Territory Labor Government has blatantly used the cover of the COVID-19 crisis to drop the standard Feed In Tariff down to 8.3 cents per kWh. The move is typical of the sneaky nature of this Government, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said today.

“On the weekend while Territorians were still trying to adjust to the biggest changes in their lives with COVID-19 distancing rules, the Government sneakily dropped the Feed In Tariff from 23.68 cents per kWh down to 8.3 cents. It makes you think what else the Government is looking at sneakily changing while many Territorians are focused on COVID-19,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

 “Households that had been planning to get rooftop solar now have their plans put into jeopardy. There is no lead in period for this change, no warning at all and no time for people to properly plan these investments.

 “There was a complete lack of consultation with Territorians or solar providers on this change and no provision has been made for a grace-period which would allow homeowners who had planned to install solar to finalise their in-process applications before this change came into force.

 “Quite frankly, this move reminds me of the Government’s sneaky tactics two years ago when the Chief Minister went on leave as the Government publicised its $35.7 billion debt bomb, with Treasurer Manison left to try and hold things together.

 “Territorians have a right to be upset at the cynical way the Territory Labor Government has tried to get away with this under the cover of darkness. This is the Labor Government that has trashed the economy and has allowed crime to make residents fearful in their own homes. It is also a Government that trades in secrecy not proper transparency.

 “We still don’t know how the Labor Government plans on being held accountable for the $3.4 billion Budget it approved for the next six months.
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 “The Opposition will hold the Government to account for this sort of behaviour, especially when they think people aren’t watching,” Mrs Finocchiaro concluded.
Ends

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett