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Ask 1: Legislate a Climate Change Act with a specific focus on climate justice and a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Ask 2: Implement minimum energy efficiency standards in rental accommodation.

Ask 3: Install solar energy on all social housing.

Background:

NTCOSS Energy Policy Statement

Legislate a Climate Change Act with a specific focus on climate justice and a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Has not committed to a Climate Change Act. Territory Labor’s Climate Change Response – includes a net zero emissions by 2050 target and 50% renewable energy by 2030 target. However it has approved development of onshore petroleum industry in NT.

Has not committed to Climate Change Act but CLP said it would retain net zero emission target if it won the election. Has said it is a matter of balance and does not require additional laws or regulation. Said it would streamline project approvals to reduce timeframes and balance the environment with economic growth, with a focus on energy, minerals,agriculture, defence, and tourism.

The NT Greens Climate Change Policy has a focus on justice through adaptation, committing to comprehensive adaptation planning to identify key risks and prepare the NT to manage impacts of climate change in a just, responsible and sustainable way. This includes transition support for regions, businesses and communities including assistance to key sectors, people and groups disproportionately impacted by climate change such as First Nations and remote communities. The NT Greens will push for net zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible or by 2035 and a comprehensive emissions reduction plan with legislated annual targets and emissions limits.

Independent Candidate for Karama Justine Glover fully supports this.

Independent Candidate for Johnston Justine Davis supports real actions and hard targets to achieve net zero emissions, as well as a transition to 75% renewable energy by 2035.

Implement minimum energy efficiency standards in rental accommodation.

If re-elected the Lawler Labor Government intends to raise energy star rating for new houses from five to seven, in line with the National Construction code.

The work around residential energy efficiency is happening now through the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics. In the last financial year, approximately 37 percent of newly constructed remote public housing received an energy rating of 7 stars or higher, and 57 percent received an energy rating of 6 stars or higher.

Labor has a long-term commitment to improving existing homes and community buildings to ensure they are efficient, comfortable and affordable to maintain. Our Government is currently consulting with communities and businesses to develop a strategic planning policy to ensure that infrastructure design and land use planning aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community.

Party position coming soon.

Implement minimum energy efficiency standards in rental accommodation. – The
NT Greens support this. Minimum standards for rental premises, including energy
efficiency and heating/cooling requirements, is a key initiative in our suite of
proposed reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act.

Independent Candidate for Karama Justine Glover fully supports this.

Independent Candidate for Johnston Justine Davis supports implementing minimum energy efficiency standards in rental accommodation. Protections need to be in place to ensure this doesn’t increase rental prices.

Install solar energy on all social housing.

In Budget 2024 the Lawler Labor Government invested $3.1 million for preparatory works for the rollout of more solar and batteries in remote communities.

As a part of our pathway to 2030 we are progressing our Remote Power Systems Strategy (RPSS). The RPSS is targeting an average of 70% renewables by 2030 in the

72 communities serviced by Indigenous Essential Services. The Territory Labor Government is currently working to determine the best way to deliver renewable energy systems under the RPSS. Consultation has begun with Indigenous Essential Services community representative bodies including the Northern, Central, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa Land Councils along with 10 regional councils.

The first pilot of this strategy – the Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill Pilot Project – will see an additional 1.1-megawatt solar array and 3-megawatt hour battery energy storage system installed. The battery has been prepared for transport to Wurrumiyanga, where work will begin to connect the battery to the solar farm in the coming months.

The Labor Government has partnered with Jacana Energy to roll out a two-year solar electricity trial providing 30 urban public housing tenants with cheaper electricity. The ‘Sun Boosters’ trial will see rooftop solar power systems installed on public housing properties in Darwin, Palmerston and Tennant Creek at no cost to the tenant, and will include a mix of prepayment meters and billed customers. All energy generated by the solar system will be exported to the grid. The trial is exploring potential reductions in electricity costs and debt levels for vulnerable tenants. The outcomes of the trial will inform future work on solar for social housing.

Party position coming soon

The NT Greens support this, and list it as an initiative in our Cost of Living & energy measures.

Independent Candidate for Karama Justine Glover fully supports this.

The provision of secure, affordable electricity is crucial to addressing cost of living pressures and poverty. I support implementing a range of actions to achieve this, including through the provision of affordable solar power for social housing.

Authorised by S Sievers, NTCOSS 2/5 Goyder Road Parap 0820, NT