The Australian Greens say it's no surprise that a review led by a climate sceptic has trashed the Renewable Energy Target, saying both options the report presents will destroy renewable energy in Australia.

"I'm glad this dangerous and ignorant report is finally public, so everyone can see it for the climate denier drivel it is. The outcome was determined long ago," said Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne.

"It's now time to give the industry certainty by retaining and expanding the Renewable Energy Target.

28 August 2014

Tasmanian brand trashed by logging decision

“The Legislative Council has trashed Tasmania’s brand by backing the government’s move to log our high conservation value forests,” Senator Christine Milne said today.

“Many Tasmanian businesses rely on our clean, green brand – turning the state into an industrial logging playground will trash it.

The Australian Greens are urging those at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting to abandon Tony Abbott's brutal budget, saying no sales pitch can hide the fact that this government's obsession with propping up the fossil-fuelled past is making life harder for ordinary Australians and deterring investment and job creation.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne says the Renewable Energy Target has been a major contributor to cutting pollution and energy costs, and must not be scaled down or abandoned.

"Tony Abbott wants to destroy jobs, destroy investment and make power more expensive for consumers all because he wants to protect the old coal-fired generators and gas companies," said Senator Milne.

"Tony Abbott's mates in the big end of town, in the coal industry in particular, can't cope with the competition from renewable energy.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has today welcomed the Senate's agreement that members must be reappointed to the board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

"After Clive Palmer excluded ARENA from his announcement, the Greens have worked with other crossbenchers to secure both the funding and the future of the organisation," said Senator Milne.