State Conference

Click here for Motions of The Nationals SA 2008 Conference

SA Nationals cry foul on budget changes to solar rebate access

Country people in South Australia are outraged at the Federal Government’s Budget announcement to means test the $8,000 rebate for installation of solar domestic technology, and have called for the restoration of incentives to promote sustainable energy technology.

“Not only is the solar rebate means test a disincentive to people wanting to make responsible decisions on domestic and business energy supply; it also ‘kneecaps’ a whole new solar industry in SA and across the country.  This decision will cost Australian jobs,” says Wilbur Klein, the newly elected president of the SA Nationals. 

The SA Nationals Annual Conference held in Adelaide over the weekend, reaffirmed its strong support for the development of alternative and renewable energies, including biofuels, solar, wind and hot rock technologies to replace unsustainable fossil-fuel consumption; and is calling on the Federal and State Governments to provide appropriate financial and regulatory support to encourage households and businesses to maximise ‘green energy’ consumption. 

Wilbur Klein who replaces retiring state president John Venus, is a farmer from Cockaleechie near Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula, and was the SA Nationals candidate in the electorate of Grey at the 2007 Federal election.

SA Nationals Parliamentary Leader and Minister for Water Security Hon Karlene Maywald MP describes Wilbur Klein as “a big hearted family man who cares passionately about his community, and brings a wealth of experience, integrity, much wisdom, and a track record of leadership and achievement in remote area education, and in his local community.” 

“I look forward to working with Wilbur to bring better services and new hope to rural, regional and remote South Australians,” Mrs Maywald told an audience that including Federal Nationals Leader Hon Warren Truss MP, who also addressed the conference.