"It's time for us to get serious": Deakin candidates lay out their plans for renewables

About 150 Deakin voters packed out the Ringwood Bowls Club on Wednesday to hear from the candidates’ pledges towards Australia’s renewable future in relation to climate change, nature protection and wildlife conservation.

Held at the Ringwood Bowls Club and co-hosted by the Australian Conservation Foundation and the multi-sector campaign group Renew Australia For All, the Deakin Candidates Forum was moderated by Susan Laukens, former mayor and councillor for the Knox City Council from 2020 to 2024.

Labor’s Matt Gregg spoke alongside the Greens’ Amy Mills and Independent Jess Ness. Michael Sukkar current Liberal MP for Deakin, was an apology due to commitments as part of budget week in Canberra. 

Candidates make their case to locals in Deakin

Labor candidate Matt Gregg said a common-sense approach is needed now

Labor candidate Matt Gregg, who ran against Sukkar as the Labor candidate for Deakin in the 2022 election, said he would advocate to achieve his party’s target of 80 percent renewables by 2030 and said nuclear technology was not a viable option. 

Gregg told the audience the Labor Party was making sure it was “delivering meaningful change as quickly as possible” with a “common-sense approach.” However, he also said there would be “challenges ahead.” 

“I think all of us have an obligation to ensure the world is better for the next generation, than it is for our own,” he said.

“Right now, I fear we are failing in that duty. There’s a lot of work to be done.” 

Gregg said the Liberal’s nuclear policy would deliver a tiny amount of energy over a longer period of time and be more costly than renewable energy options.

“It’s time for us to get serious; it’s time for us to do what needs to happen – upgrade our energy infrastructure and start utilising wonderful resources,” he said.

“It is cheaper, it is the most appropriate, it is the common-sense option. We are on track to deliver, but we can’t take that progress for granted.” 

Greens candidate Amy Mills pledges to end native forest logging and new gas and coal projects

Greens candidate Amy Mills said there was a “a deep care for community and the environment in Deakin,” with a “crisis” being driven by climate change.

Mills said she wanted to see a stop to plans for nuclear power and new coal and gas projects, which would only stall action on climate damage, as well as an end to native forest logging. 

“The decisions made in Canberra should put people and the planet before profits,” she said, accusing Labor of approving new coal and gas projects. 

“One of the quickest and easiest ways to meet our climate targets and protect wildlife is to stop new coal and gas projects by putting a climate trigger in our environment laws.

“This election offers a once in a generation chance to protect our forests, our wildlife, and our environment.”

Independent candidate Jess Ness calls for local knowledge, evidence-based policy and making renewable transitions accessible to all

Independent candidate Jess Ness, endorsed by the Voices of Deakin, said when policy “reflects people’s experience and people’s knowledge … it’s going to work.”

Ness said she was also driving the need for an “evidence-based” approach.

When drawn on climate resilience and nature, Ness said there needed to be more thought given to community resilience in how we plan for upcoming climate events.

“Currently we’re seeing State Government override local policies to protect trees,” she said.

“We need consultation across the board, we need policy across the board, that’s going to protect our nature, our biodiversity, our corridors.

“We are reliant on nature, it sustains us; it’s a no-brainer. It’s part of every decision we make, and it should be part of every policy.”

When it comes to renewable energy sources like solar, Ness said more investment was needed.

“When we make this transition, we need to make sure that it’s accessible to everyone,” she said.

On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially announced the election would be held on Saturday May 3.