Dubbo MP Troy Grant has refused to rule out voting against his own government’s shake-up of the Solar Bonus Scheme. Mr Grant said he had yet to determine whether he would cross the floor on the controversial legislation that will cut the feed-in tariff for 110,000 solar panel owners.
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The government plans to introduce retrospective legislation “as soon as possible” to shut the scheme to newcomers and reduce feed-in tariffs from 60 cents to 40 cents for existing users.
The move has caused widespread anger among customers and industry, not least in Dubbo which has the second highest solar panelling rate in NSW. “Whether I do cross or don’t cross I’ll make that decision after I have the opportunity to speak to the party room and joint party room,” Mr Grant said.
“I’ve heard sufficient details from every stakeholder.
“What I can say, as I did mention on election night and when I was sworn in, I’m committed to the interests of
the Dubbo electorate with every vote.” Mr Grant who claimed to be the “second most affected member in Parliament” by the decision said he was not told about it prior to Energy Minister Chris Hartcher making the announcement.
The Coalition argued the scheme, introduced by the former Labor government in 2010, had blown out to $1.9 billion from $400 million.
This would mean extra $170 on every household electricity bill, Mr Grant said.
Talk of Coalition MPs crossing the floor came after upper house Liberal Catherine Cusack, who reportedly criticised Premier Barry O’Farrell in a letter over his decision, said she would.
Asked if Coalition MPs would be stripped of parliamentary roles for crossing the floor a spokesperson for Mr O’Farrell replied:
“No, it’s Liberal Party policy that no MP who crosses the floor risks losing their portfolio or parliamentary role.”
Mr Grant, a Nationals member, was made parliamentary secretary for Natural Resources after taking the Dubbo electorate from an independent, former incumbent Dawn Fardell.
The solar industry has run a strong campaign against the Coalition proposal with the Australian Solar Energy Society engaging the high profile American public relations firm DMG to promote its cause.
In Sydney this week 1500 householders and business people marched against the government’s plans.
Do Something!, a not-for profit environmental organisation, has also entered the debate.
“By tearing up government-guaranteed contracts that he said he would honour, Barry O’Farrell will be taking an estimated $450 million from the NSW households who have helped to fund this ‘People Power’ station,” said Jon Dee, founder of Do Something! and NSW Australian of the Year 2010.
Mr Grant will attend a party room meeting on Monday.
