So this promise by the Prime Minister spelt trouble down the track for the industry. The Government will work with the States and Territories to set a mandatory target for electricity retailers to source an additional 2 per cent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2010. 2 per cent is a very big commitment. As I said, it's the equivalent of two additional Snowy Mountain Schemes. It is a much bigger commitment than I think most people understand.
Renewable energy is solar, wind, biomass, gas from rotting plants and a host of other technologies.
It's more expensive than regular electricity from coal. And that's what the aluminium and power industries are worried about. If the 2 per cent increase is compulsory, it'll cost them more. They don't like it, they don't want it and they intend to change it. I can't believe that, for instance, John Anderson and these National Party ministers would allow this 2 per cent mandatory target to be watered down or dismissed, because it's such an important for regional development, for rural jobs, for economic impacts on rural communities.