Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $206 million cost of living package for Australians, with more than 30,000 households set to benefit from long-term support.
And the environmental focus of the plan – announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday – will delight Green voters.
Albanese’s government and NSW Premier Chris Minns have each committed $87.5 million over four years to energy-saving upgrades to social housing for low-income Australians.
Upgrading a home from a one-star rating to a three-star rating could reduce energy consumption by 30 percent and lower energy bills – allowing the Prime Minister to argue the move will combat inflation.
The funding will allow for upgrades such as heat pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse cycle air conditioners, solar energy systems, insulation and draft proofing.
Priority will be given to the older, least energy efficient buildings and houses in locations that experience extreme heat and cold.
Further funding will ensure that people living in apartments and low-income households can afford solar installations.
It comes as Mr Albanese tries to regain his ‘mojo’ after a series of negative polls and bad news, highlighting the rising cost of living – including prices in major supermarkets.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) has unveiled a $206 million cost of living package that will see more than 30,000 households benefit from the long-term support
Mr Albanese also used a media appearance with Mr Minns to attack Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for calling on Australians to boycott Woolworths after the store dumped its range of Australia Day merchandise.
“My government is concerned about the price of what consumers are paying at Coles and Woollies and other supermarkets. Our opponents also seem to be calling for a boycott of Woollies, Kmart and Aldi.
‘I’m not sure how Mr Dutton explains to the 200,000 Woolworths employees that he doesn’t think they should have a job.
“If people boycott Woolworths, guess what? The jobs are disappearing.’
Mr Albanese said the Government was committed to ensuring clean, cheap energy was available to all Australians.
Under the cost of living plan, an estimated 10,000 households will access the ‘tanning beds’ program – where low-income Australians can access a community battery.
According to government estimates, this could save up to $600 per year on energy bills.
“Saving energy means saving money, which is why we continue to ease the cost of living for families who need it most, without increasing inflation,” Albanese said.
“We want all Australians to have access to cleaner, cheaper energy. Renewable energy for social housing contributes to energy bills and is good for the environment.’
Mr Minns said cost of living was his first priority as NSW got its energy transition “back on track”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) said the cost of living was his first priority
An estimated 10,000 households will have access to the ‘tanning beds’ scheme, which government estimates could save up to $600 a year on energy bills. The photo shows solar panels
“We are proud to be working with the Albanian government to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to some of the least energy efficient homes in the country.”
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Labor was helping those currently left out of energy efficiency and renewables to “reap the benefits of clean energy transformation”.
“Critical energy upgrades in social housing and strong solar incentives for NSW apartment building residents will bring cleaner, cheaper energy to more Australians,” he said.
A further $1 million will be invested in community renewable energy projects on the far south coast, in line with Labor’s election pledge.