Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $206million cost of living package for ns, with more than 30,000 households set to benefit from his plan.
And the environmental focus of the policy – announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday – will make Greens voters happy.
Mr Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns’ government both pledged $87.5m each over four years for energy-saving upgrades to social housing for low-income ns 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 the older, least energy-efficient properties, and houses in locations that experience extreme heat and cold.
Further funding will also let people living in apartments and low-income households afford solar panel installations.
It comes as Mr Albanese tries to regain his ‘mojo’ after a series of negative polls and bad news with a focus on the rising cost of living – including prices at the big supermarkets.
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 ns to boycott Woolworths, after the store dumped its range of 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.
‘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 ns.
Under the cost of living plan, an estimated 10,000 households will be able to access the ‘solar banks’ program – where low-income ns can access a community battery.
The government estimates 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 ns to have access to cleaner, cheaper energy. Renewable energy for social housing helps power bills and is good for the environment.’
Mr Minns said 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.’
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Labor was helping those currently left out of energy efficiency and renewables ‘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 ns,’ he said.
A further $1m will be invested in community renewable energy projects on the far south coast, in line with the Labor’s election commitment.
Photo of Anthony Albanese paying for a meal with Jodie Haydon explains so much about the PM’s support in his beloved Marrickville
In a distinctly n scene, Albanese and his partner Jodie were spotted having lunch in the Hung Cheung Chinese restaurant on 4 January, just metres from his constituency office (pictured)