Media release
The Palmer United Party supports the Government’s plans to reschedule funding for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), federal leader and Member for Fairfax Clive Palmer said today.
“Palmer United Party senators and Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party Senator Ricky Muir have had extensive discussions around the funding schedule for ARENA,” Mr Palmer said.
“We have decided to support the Government’s plans to re-schedule the agency’s funding.
“The Palmer United Party will not vote for the Government’s other upcoming legislation that seeks to abolish ARENA altogether.
“I had extensive discussion with former United States Vice-President Al Gore about ARENA and was convinced by his arguments in support of this important agency.
“The Palmer United Party will not be supporting any amendments that tamper with the Government’s plans in this area. After all, ARENA itself had agreed to the funding changes having discussed it at board level.
“ARENA should be held accountable and making some budget savings was reasonable in the current circumstances.”
Mr Palmer said the Palmer United Party has secured important amendments to guarantee power prices fall when the carbon tax is repealed.
“Holding up the repeal of the carbon tax threatens consumers with higher power prices,” he said.