Ask a Question

The Hon Peter Garrett MP answers your questions - Transcript

Hi, I’m Peter Garrett, Federal Minister for the Environment.

Thanks for your questions over the past few weeks.

We have a $4 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package which aims to install ceiling insulation in up to 2.9 million Australian homes and solar hot water systems in over 300,000 homes.

Now onto your questions on the ceiling insulation programs.

Leanne and June both asked about the ceiling insulation program from 1 July 2009.

If you are an eligible homeowner using an installer on the Installer Provider Register and the total cost of installing ceiling insulation is less than $1,600, you will have no more to pay. The insulation installer will apply for payment directly from the Government.

Up to $1,000 is available for eligible landlords or tenants to install ceiling insulation as well.

Now, for most homeowners, the $1,600 assistance will cover the total cost. However, if the cost exceeds $1,600, homeowners will ordinarily need to pay any costs above the amount directly to the installer.

Eligible landlords and tenants will ordinarily need to meet any costs above $1,000.

I encourage householders to approach a number of installers on the register to explore different types of insulation and costs.

To find out more about the new process, visit www.environment.gov.au or call 1800 808 571.

Now, Bob asked whether he could install the insulation himself and then claim the rebate.

You must use an installer from the Installer Provider Register.

That’s because this package is about supporting jobs at this critical time and ensuring a high standard of insulation. Installers on the register must meet the registration criteria. And we’ll have an audit process which will be checking the operation of installation in tens of thousands of homes.

Roy raised the issue of eligibility for public housing and strata properties.

On public housing, we are negotiating with the states through the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency to address things like energy efficiency in public housing – so that issue is on the Government agenda.

On strata titles, people who live in flats or multi-unit complexes are not excluded from these programs, but they do need to obtain the approval of the body corporate if applicable.

If people want more information, again, they can call the hotline on 1800 808 571.

Now, Tamara raised with my colleague, the Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek, concerns about renters having difficulty in encouraging landlords to take part in the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters.

Tamara, I’d encourage you and other renters to talk about the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters with your landlords or property agents as installing ceiling insulation in homes improves the comfort of your home, reduces your carbon footprint and cuts your energy bills.

You might be able to discuss the benefits for the value of their property of installing insulation with your landlord.

Before I move onto solar hot water rebates – I should quickly mention the closure of applications under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, which was raised by a number of people.

Following unprecedented take-up under the Government's Solar Homes and Communities Plan – more than four times our original commitment – the Government closed rebate applications under the program and transitioned immediately to new Solar Credits, which incidentally are not means tested. The solar PV industry – that’s the photovoltaic industry - now has more than a year’s work in the pipeline through the rebates that have been already received, and new Solar Credits will provide long-term support to grow Australia’s solar PV industry. It’s open to all households, small businesses and community groups – and as I said no matter what your income. More details are available on the website www.environment.gov.au

In relation to the Solar Hot Water Rebate, Peter questioned why gas water heaters weren’t eligible under the program.

The point is with this rebate, we’re encouraging people to replace the most greenhouse inefficient hot water systems – electric storage. 

By replacing the worst performing hot water systems, Australian households will achieve the best environmental benefit.

Remember, people are still eligible to receive Renewable Energy Certificates if they do in fact replace a gas system.

Miriam raised a question about the out of pocket expenses related to installing a solar hot water system.

I appreciate that there are costs associated with installing solar hot water systems and this is why the Government raised the rebate to $1,600 earlier this year and took away the means test.

Householders should remember they’re also eligible for renewable energy certificates, plus any state or territory rebates. So, great opportunities are there too.

Thanks very much for submitting your questions and your comments.