New measures to stimulate the economy can also address energy security and greenhouse gas emissions, according to Western Australia's largest peak body for enterprises across the sustainable energy sector.

Australian Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan can ensure new measures to stimulate Australia's economy also addresses Australia's energy security and greenhouse gas emissions, according to Western Australia's largest peak body for enterprises across the sustainable energy sector.

"As the Rudd Government considers a new fiscal stimulus package of both big infrastructure, 'nation-building' spending, combined with targeted cash injections into the economy, the Prime Minister can ensure full value is obtained from that expenditure to both support energy efficiency measures and deploy renewable energy in households and businesses," says Dr Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

"Tax cuts only work for people in jobs - measures to improve energy efficiency in households are perpetual tax cuts that help now and increase in value with growing energy bills even when you don't have an income," says Dr Wills.

"And for businesses, measures to improve energy efficiency will reduce costs and contribute to a better bottom line, which will help profits, improve business confidence, and keep people in jobs."

"Further, a stronger program to dramatically increase renewable energy installations in low-income homes, geared with national gross feed in tariffs, can assist all, regardless of whether they are employed or not."

"Similarly, making gross feed in tariffs available to small to medium enterprises across Australia could diversify the revenue base for those businesses at a time when other revenues may be under pressure, and again contribute to profits and keep people in jobs."

"The slowdown in the economy is also an opportune time to chart a new course - one that helps decarbonise the economy and supports nation-building infrastructure projects in the sustainable energy sector to create employment in new, sustainable projects across Australia," says Dr Wills.

WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 1 February 2009

Media Contact:
Dr Ray Wills 0430 365 607

Editors notes:
The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of businesses that are providing the commercial solution to climate change through their products and services, or that simply aspire to be more sustainable in their own energy use. WA SEA is supported by a growing membership of more than 200 industry members that includes the majority of the key energy players in Western Australia.
www.wasea.com.au.