Snap-shot: Associations and the 2011–2012 Budget

The Climate Institute:
The Climate Institute has welcomed Budgetary reforms to fringe benefits tax on company cars.

“Building a prosperous low carbon economy requires reforms to remove subsidies that encourage carbon polluting activities such as the old fringe benefit tax benefits on company car use,” said John Connor, CEO, The Climate Institute.

The Australian Solar Energy Society:
John Grimes, CEO of Australian Solar Energy Society has expressed disappointment at cuts to solar funding outlined in the Budget including:

• The closing of National Solar Schools Program on 30 June 2013
• The reduction of Solar Flagships funding by $220 million over 2 years from 2012–2013

Grimes has, however, responded positively to the Budgetary announcements that an additional $13.7 million over two years will be provided for the Solar Cities Program, and an additional $53.2 million over four years will be provided to the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator to build its statutory responsibilities, and funding for the Emerging Renewables program increased from $40 million to $100 million.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association:
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has said that the short-term workforce flexibility measures outlined in the 2011-2012 Budget will underpin the continued expansion of Australia’s oil and gas investments, and deliver even more employment and training opportunities for Australians.