ABSA Member Update : Canberra Meetings : 17th March

ABSA's CEO and Chairman met with Senator Wong in Canberra yesterday to continue our ongoing discussions about the Green Loans Program and the impact of the problems with the scheme for ABSA members.

ABSA were encouraged by the discussions which included three of the Minister's political advisers and four senior public servants from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE). This should be viewed as a positive sign for ABSA members.

ABSA's CEO and Chairman left the meeting with a clear sense that no further knee jerk decisions were likely and that the Minister was absolutely committed to making decisions that were lasting, with solid policy foundations.

The meeting ran for over an hour with the Minister clearly interested in resolving issues and responsive to the concerns put forward by ABSA about the impacts on individuals. ABSA understands that the meeting between the Minister, staff and Departmental officials continued after ABSA's involvement had concluded. Again, this was encouraging.

Some of the discussion points included issues surrounding quality, clearly articulating objectives and a range of member concerns relayed to the Minister from our member base.

ABSA have been asked for further information on a number of different suggestions we had made on your behalf which we are working quickly to supply.

ABSA is also seeking approval to release the discussion paper, supplied to the Minister, publicly. We will keep you informed on this.

As you are aware, ABSA is looking for long term outcomes which help to both establish a solid industry for our members and improve residential sustainability. We do believe that we are making progress, however it is slower than we would like.

We would point out that the Minister has asked for ABSA's co-operation and patience while she sorts through what is a highly complex and problematic set of issues.

ABSA also held discussions with Senator Xenophon (Independent- South Australia), Senator Birmingham (Liberal- South Australia) and Senator Milne's (Greens- Tasmania) adviser. It was clear that people from all sides of politics remain concerned about the problems that have beset the Green Loans Program and are committed to assisting wherever they can.

ABSA will be providing some further information and advice to our members over what you can do to assist in securing practical, long term solutions. We will also be providing some advice and guidance for your consideration on any role each of you can play in the number of inquiries and reviews underway.