The Clean Energy Council’s Power Shift blueprint outlines the following key priority areas:

• Ensure long-term and transparent carbon reduction targets for the energy sector
• Set strong and long-term renewable energy targets
• Innovation that delivers the next generation of clean energy solutions
• Smart regulation and energy market reform for a 21st century energy system
• Cement public support through the development of product standards and best practice approaches to consumer and public engagement

In order to reduce investment uncertainty, meet emission reduction targets and realistically address the impact of Australia’s ageing coal-fired power fleet, a bipartisan approach to energy policy needs to be reached as soon as possible.

This approach should include a transition plan for workers and communities surrounding coal-fired power stations, an approach to modernise our electricity system and its regulatory framework, and an increased and long-term target for renewable energy to support new investment.

In light of the economic, energy and environmental imperatives we face, we call on both major parties to work towards a comprehensive national policy plan that supports new renewable energy investment over the long term as a matter of urgency.