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03 Feb 2009 - The Pink Batt Police...
"We’re from the government and we’re here to help you (with your roof)..."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (the Madonna of Australian politics) busy re-inventing himself as has Madge so many times over the years (over oh so many years) now goes from fiscal conservative to “social democratic capitalist”(?) to roofer.
More than 2.2 million owner-occupied homes will qualify for free ceiling insulationunder the Prime Minister's plan, an element of a multi-pronged economic stimulation package expected to be announced tomorrow.
The Government will also double, from $500 to $1000, ceiling insulation subsidies for owners of 500,000 rental properties.
Mr Rudd will sell his plan as an attempt to tackle climate change while also creating jobs to stimulate economic activity and offset the effects of the global economic slowdown.
As usual, if you have already done the right thing and insulated your house, you miss out. There should be an alternative "offer" - rebates on solar hot water, solar electricity, insulating blinds, shutters, anything that reduces reliance on electricity (or gas, or wood) to cool or heat a house. Or even rebates on reverse cycle air conditioning, which is very efficient in some areas of Australia.
Insulation is not so great if your house heats up on a hot day - takes it a long time to cool down again. Not always efficient although great in winter.
It is time that our Prime Minister moved out of electioneering mode and into governing Australia for the long term benefit of all Australians. Whilst this stimulus package will have some short term effect it needs to be supported by a long term vision defining where, in this Global Village, Australia will be able to take its place as a prospouras influential Nation. The current package looks as much like securing votes for the next federal election as it is a short term stimulus package. The Government must move from electioneering mode to Governing for Australia. We must steer clear of the move towards a Fabian agenda where we are dependant on the state for all our actions.
