green loans assessors left high and dry by both labor and libs

Green Loans Assessors, who should be the backbone of a whole new energy efficiency industry, have been left high and dry by both Labor and theLiberals in the election campaign.

The Greens recognise that energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce greenhouse emissions, reduce energy bills and improve the liveability of our homes, offices, schools and hospitals and strongly support the expansion of the sustainability assessment industry.

"The Greens are inspired by the thousands of Australians who have chosen to build small businesses to help others reduce their energy bills and their impact on the climate," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, SenatorChristine Milne, said.

"But both Labor and the Liberals have left this incredibly prospective industry high and dry.

"The Green Loans program promised by Labor before the last election wasa great idea that was mismanaged to the point of collapse.

"Now assessors, including 67 Tasmanians, face an uncertain future, with question marks hanging over the program's proposed replacement, GreenStart.

"I called last week for the government to extend the deadline for tenders from this Friday out to after the election, to at least give assessors more flexibility before making a decision about the future of their businesses. We have had absolutely no response.

"Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has confirmed that it will not support Green Start and has provided no answers on the future of any similar programs.

"While I welcome the Liberals' offer of compensation to assessors who have been left out of pocket, I cannot understand why Greg Hunt is doing nothing to ensure these generous Australians have jobs into the future.

"The Greens have proposed an array of programs to drive energy efficiency upgrades in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and industry across Australia.

"These programs will provide great employment opportunities for assessors who want to stay in the industry and expand their skills. We know from surveys conducted by the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors that the great majority in the sector want to stay in it, even though they have been treated so poorly by thegovernment and opposition.

"The clear choice for Australians who want to see energy efficiencygiven the priority it deserves, and who want to see jobs growth in building a zero emissions economy, is to vote 1 Greens on Saturday."