A comprehensive comparison of significant election commitments in the Western Australian election reveals a clear choice for those planning to vote for a more sustainable Western Australia.

The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA), WA's business chamber for the sustainable energy industries, has undertaken a comprehensive comparison of significant election commitments of the four biggest parties contesting the election.

The result reveals a clear choice for those planning to vote for a more sustainable Western Australia.

Through the election campaign, WA SEA has called for a raft of cost effective and practical mechanisms to deliver strong growth within the Western Australian sustainable energy industry, including measures that remove barriers to business entry and deliver incentives to ensure a more sustainable economy.

The table draws together previous commitments by parties while in government and opposition, together with analysis of new election commitments sourced from policy statements and media announcements. A total of 14 policy categories have been scored based on an assessment of each measure scored out of 5, with a total possible score of 70.

The Greens received the highest score with 59 out of 70 (84%), Labor scored 37 out of 70 (52%), the Liberals scored 27 out of 70 (39%), and the Nationals were largely absent from this policy space, including a negative score in one category, to a total of only 4 out of 70 (6%).

"We welcome all commitments by the parties. In considering the major parties, unfortunately the Liberal commitments to sustainable energy generally fail to match Labor's greater election commitments across the portfolio of sustainable energy, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transport," says Dr Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

"Ramping up use of Western Australia's massive renewable energy resources will actually diversify the economy and create a more robust environment for business."

"Building our renewable energy base improves both diversity and security of energy supply, provides new opportunities for business and employment, and will grow WA's industry base - these are all good business outcomes and will help build a more sustainable economy."

"While there is plenty of space for improvement, Labor have provided a more substantial commitment that will deliver a more sustainable economy for all Western Australians," says Dr Wills.


WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 4 September 2008
Media Contact:
Dr Ray Wills 0430 365 607

Editors notes:
1. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of businesses variously promoting, developing and/or adopting sustainable energy technologies and services that minimise the use of energy through sustainable energy practices and maximise the use of energy from sustainable sources. WA SEA is supported by a growing membership of 180 industry members from a diversity of businesses.
2. News release including table available as pdf on website - www.wasea.com.au.