Morrison missing as Victoria leads way on offshore wind

Morrison missing as Victoria leads the way on offshore wind The Electrical Trades Union and Maritime Union of Australia are calling on Scott Morrison to step up and outline a plan for Australia’s renewable energy future as the Victorian State Government announces a strategy to secure nine gigawatts of offshore wind energy to support Australian jobs and industry. ETU acting National Secretary Michael Wright said Victoria had made a solid commitment to sustainable long term energy and jobs. “Further investment in offshore wind power is critical to Australian jobs and industry. This is a huge opportunity for Australia to decarbonise, secure jobs and breathe life into industry,” Mr Wright said. “While we strongly endorse the Victorian government’s leadership, the contrast with the Federal Government is just appalling. Coal fired power plants are closing and Mr Morrison is simply missing in action. He seems content to let Australian jobs and industry swing in the breeze. “Scott Morrison has abandoned action on renewable energy and Australians are all paying the price for it.” Shane Stevens, MUA Victoria Branch Secretary, welcomed Victoria’s announcement. “This is a groundbreaking announcement from the Victorian government, and a fantastic opportunity to create jobs and reduce emissions. Adrian Evans, MUA Assistant National Secretary condemned the Commonwealth’s inaction. “It’s unacceptable that the Federal Government took ten years to pass the laws needed for this new industry. Four months later Morrison is missing again. The law requires the Government to issue a declaration for specific locations in order for projects to get started. Until they are issued, projects can’t commence. This is creating uncertainty right now in Gippsland and Portland. “The opportunities for offshore wind power exist and they are nearly all located in areas facing uncertainty from coal closures. “Instead of trying to turn climate change into a culture war issue, the Prime Minister needs to be proactive in securing new industry and job opportunities for these regions.”