Former ACT environment and climate change minister Simon Corbell has been snapped up by the Victorian government for the newly created position of Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate.
As the mastermind behind the ACT’s ambitious renewable energy program to go 100 per cent renewable by 2020, he brings some serious experience to the role, including overseeing the implementation of the ACT large-scale feed in tariff and reverse auction process.
“Mr Corbell has over two decades of senior experience in public policy and has been a champion for reform in the renewable energy and climate change sector,” Victorian minister for environment and climate change Lily D’Ambrosio said.
“We’re giving the renewable energy sector the confidence needed to invest in the renewable energy projects and jobs that are crucial to Victoria’s future.”
Mr Corbell’s key responsibilities will include heading up Victoria’s main advisory body on renewable energy development, working on attracting investment in the sector, and helping implement the Victorian Renewable Energy Target Scheme.
“The Victorian Renewable Energy Target is invaluable for renewable energy in Australia,” Mr Corbell said.
“As the independent Renewable Energy Advocate I’ll be working with government, community and industry to make sure we deliver jobs, investment and affordable, secure energy for Victoria.”
The news was welcomed by environment group Friends of the Earth, who labelled Mr Corbell a “renewable energy rockstar”.
Renewable energy spokesman Pat Simons said the appointment could sew the seeds for bipartisan support on energy policy, as Mr Corbell’s 100 per cent renewables policy in the ACT now enjoyed bipartisan support.
“We expect the Matthew Guy Opposition will pay close attention to Simon Corbell’s advice on growing jobs and investment in renewables in Victoria,” Mr Simons said.
“All parties can support jobs and investment in wind and solar and the community would welcome the Opposition’s support for the Victorian Renewable Energy Targets.”