The state government's decision to dump the position of parliamentary secretary for renewable energy is a victory for the fossil fuel lobby and leaves NSW without a stand-alone voice to address renewable energy, Greens MP John Kaye says.
The position has been dissolved after the promotion of Nationals MP for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams to the portfolios for Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Education. It was previously held by Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
It is one of five parliamentary secretary positions to be left behind by the new Baird government, along with police and emergency services, planning, tertiary education and skills and regional and rural affairs.
The move has industry figures and Greens MPs concerned for the future of the state's focus on renewable energy.
"It leaves the Baird government with no unique voice for renewable energy, despite the critical role that clean technologies will play in the economy of NSW. It looks like a victory for the fossil fuel lobby," Mr Kaye said.
Australian Solar Council chief executive John Grimes said the NSW government had been on the right track towards renewable energy but the recent dumping of the parliamentary secretary role was not a "statement of intent" that it remained committed.
The new structure will include dedicated parliamentary secretaries for all regions, who will report quarterly to cabinet.
Environment Minister Mark Speakman will report on the government's progress on renewable energy.
He said the government's "strong record" included support for the national 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target and the leveraging of more than $748 million of Commonwealth funding for over 100 renewable energy projects.
The Clean Energy Council voiced little concern that the decision showed the government was backing away from its support for renewable energy.
A council spokesman pointed to the government's designated renewable energy advocate, Amy Kean.
Ms Kean liaises directly with industry to develop renewable energy projects.
"She has a good relationship with the industry and has been able to recognise the potential benefits that renewable energy such as solar and wind power can bring to the state economy with the right support," he said.
Epuron Wind Developers director Andrew Duran agreed that the role of advocate was significant but did not have a seat at the cabinet table.
"That role has previously worked really well with the parliamentary secretary but without a parliamentary secretary behind them, they lack support," he said, adding that the Environment Minister had a huge portfolio in which renewable energy may not remain a top priority.
However, wind power producer Infigen Energy said the decision did not change its view of the government's commitment to renewable energy.
"We know there is that underlying strong support for our industry," managing director Miles George said.
Renewable energy advocates and industry figures welcomed the new minister, Mr Stokes, a known advocate for renewable energy.
However, even with Mr Stokes' advocacy for clean energy, Mr Kaye said he held concerns.
"The rise of Rob Stokes in the Baird government is a good outcome for renewable energy but he still has to overcome the fossil fuel lobby and the worst elements of the National Party," he said.
Energy Minister Anthony Roberts said the NSW government had delivered tangible results, citing more than 8000MW of projects with development approval in NSW and an estimated capital investment value of $13 billion.
"John Kaye's only contribution to the renewable energy industry in NSW is from commentating on the sidelines," he said.
