Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $206million cost of living relief package with more than 30,000 Australian households set to benefit.
But it’s the environmental focus of the policy – announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday – that will make Greens voters especially happy.
Mr Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns’ government both pledged $87.5million each over four years for energy-saving upgrades to social housing across the state.
Upgrading a house from a 1-star rating to a 3-star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent and decrease power bills – allowing the Prime Minister to argue the move will fight inflation.
The funding will allow for upgrades such as heat-pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, solar systems, insulation and draught proofing.
Priority will be given to older, least energy-efficient properties, and houses in locations that experience extreme heat and cold.
Further funding will also help people living in apartments and low-income households pay for the installation of solar panels.
It comes as Mr Albanese attempts to fight back from a series of negative polls largely focused on the rising cost of living – including grocery prices.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) has unveiled a $206million cost of living package, with more than 30,000 households set to benefit from the long-term support
Mr Albanese also used a media appearance to attack Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for calling on Aussies to boycott Woolworths after the supermarket giant dumped its range of Australia Day merchandise.
‘My government is concerned about the price of what consumers pay at Coles and Woollies and other supermarkets. Our opponents seem to be… calling for boycotts of Woollies, Kmart and Aldi as well,’ the Prime Minister said.
‘I am not quite sure how Mr Dutton explains to the 200,000 employees of Woolworths that he thinks they shouldn’t have a job.
‘If people boycott Woolworths, guess what? The jobs disappear.’
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 be able to access the ‘solar banks’ program – where low-income Australians can access a community battery.
The government estimates the plan could shave up to $600 a year off power bills.
‘Saving energy means saving money, which is why we’re continuing to deliver cost of living relief for families that need it most, without adding to inflation,’ Mr Albanese said.
‘We want all Australians to have access to cleaner, cheaper energy. Renewable energy for social housing helps power bills and is good for the environment.’
Mr Minns said the cost of living was his number one priority as NSW got its energy transition ‘back on track’.
NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) said cost of living was his number one priority
An estimated 10,000 households will be able to access the ‘solar banks’ program, which the government estimates could shave up to $600 a year off power bills. Solar panels are pictured
‘We are proud to partner with the Albanese government to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to some of the least energy efficient houses in the country,’ he said.
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Labor was helping those currently falling behind the transition to renewables and higher energy efficiency to ‘reap the rewards of the clean energy transformation’.
‘Critical energy upgrades in social housing properties and strong solar energy incentives for apartment block residents across NSW will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy to more Australians,’ he said.
A further $1million will be invested in community renewable energy projects on the NSW far south coast, in line with federal Labor’s election commitment.