The Australian Federal Budget was released yesterday and while the media present the budget in a negative light, I am okay with what has been proposed. Of course putting the country in debt is not favorable BUT what can be achieved is quite promising. While I am a Greenie, I am more optimistic than the 6/10 rating given by the Greens.Yes there were cuts made to Climate Change but seriously were the Green Car Innovation Fund, Green Start Program and Clean Car Rebate viable initiatives? I'm glad they're gone. Yes, wasted money but better to admit they are failures now than later.
New initiatives such as $45.6 million going to farmers with the aim of reducing the agricultural impact on climate change, $100 million for renewable energy and efficiency projects, extending the Solar Hot Water Rebate program as part of a $144.2 million renewable scheme, and allocating $20 million to establish a biofuel research institute, are in my opinion more viable solutions in effecting sustainable behaviour.
Helping our farmers, helps with localizing our economy.
'Going local' is a powerful strategy to help repair our fractured world – our ecosystems, our societies and our selves. Far from the old institutions of power, people are starting to forge a very different future... - The Economics of Happiness
I have no sympathy for those who were disappointed to not receive any relief on raising utility bills. How self-involved are these people? Pay for what you use. The law of economics will tell you there is no frigging free lunch.
A recent study Origin Energy, found Australians wasted an astonishing $1 billion on standby energy.
Oh, and onya Gillard for investing heavily in work and training as there are a lot of thick heads out there who need to be properly skilled and skilled in such a way that will foster sustainable actions/behavior.
For I, the budget is a wake up call for Australia to take responsibility.
*I am all for supporting 100% renewable energy, however it is not a solution in addressing our wasteful habits
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