The Abbott government’s Renewable Energy Target review, announced on February 17, shows once again that this government puts ideology ahead of good policy.

The appointment of climate change denier Dick Warburton to head the review panel is a troubling sign for the Australian renewable energy sector.

Panel member Shirley In’t Veld is former Managing Director of Verve Energy who are primarily a fossil fuel generating business–98.3 per cent their generation assets are from fossil fuels and just 1.3 per cent from renewables (source).

The announcement had Yes 2 Renewables wondering: Where are the panel members from the wind or solar energy sectors?

If the RET review results in less renewable energy it’ll mean less jobs and less investment in Australia.

The renewable energy sector promises to be a engine for economic growth. With the economy shedding jobs, now is not the time to wind back support for renewables.

Renewable energy is cutting the coal power sector’s profits. If the national target is softened, it’ll be clear government’s priority is looking after their fossil-fueled friends, not electricity consumers.

Australians want more renewable energy. Polling shows 73 per cent of Australians think the Renewable Energy Target target is ‘about right’ or ‘not high enough’. For Coalition voters the number is 64 per cent.

The Abbott government would be wise to consider the views of Australians in their response to the review.

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