Joint media release: Albanese and Cook Governments partner to deliver energy savings for thousands in social housing
The Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Member for McMahon
Senator The Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator for New South Wales
The Hon Reece Whitby MLA, WA Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Action
The Hon John Carey MLA, WA Minister for Housing
Up to 4,300 Western Australian households will benefit from home energy upgades, thanks to a $63.2 million partnership to upgrade social housing properties across the state.
Social housing properties are some of the most energy inefficient in Australia, with most built more than 20 years ago before minimum build standards. Upgrading a house from a 1–star energy efficiency rating to a 3–star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30% and decrease household power bills.
That’s why the Albanese Government is partnering with the Cook Government to implement a new state-run initiative, which will help remote and regional social housing residents in hotter climates such as the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West and Goldfield regions reduce their energy bills and keep homes cooler in summer.
The WA Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative will run until 2027 and deliver energy upgrades including hot water systems and lighting.
The social housing properties for upgrade will be identified by the WA government and will be owned and managed by the WA Department of Communities or managed by the WA department on behalf of landholders.
This investment is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $1.7 billion Energy Savings Package, $300 million of which is helping to fund upgrades for up to 60,000 social housing properties across the country.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“The government is committed to helping households make real cost of living savings through their energy bills.
“The Albanese and Cook Governments are helping all Australians to reap the rewards of the clean energy transformation.῎
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister:
“The Albanese Government wants to help all Australians lower power bills and reduce emissions, no matter where they live or how much they earn.
“Energy upgrades will help households save money, save energy, and make homes more comfortable each and every year,
“Energy upgrades and electrification can especially help tenants save substantially on energy bills and keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.῎
Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Reece Whitby:
“The Cook Government has a strong record of making energy affordable for Western Australians.
“That includes by investing billions of dollars in the State’s supply of clean energy and providing $1800 worth of electricity credits since 2020. This investment builds on that record.
“By supporting energy efficiency in social housing, we are lowering power bills for some of our State’s most vulnerable communities, making a real impact on their daily lives.῎
Quotes attributable to the WA Minister for Housing John Carey:
“Boosting energy efficiency for social housing stock is a cost-effective way to extend the useful lifespan of dwellings while supporting increased liveability and comfort for tenants.
“The program will support some of Western Australia’s most vulnerable community members by assisting those households to save money and save energy.῎