In September 2009 the Victorian Branch of the ETU launched a report titled Job Creation, which argued the case for a national gross feed-in tariff.  It showed that 22,500 jobs could be created with the introduction of this one initiative.  NSW Cabinet ministers recently announced the introduction of a gross feed-in tariff which they say will make their state a leader in the ‘green energy revolution’.   The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Rees Government supports the gross scheme which will have a windfall of an additional $1,500 pa to those homes with solar panels.

If followed, the proposal will be contrary to the advice of the NSW government's own Treasury and will also set it apart from all the other states in the country.  Other states have a net scheme, which only pays the solar system owner for the surplus not used by the household and returned to the grid. 

The true test will be post the NSW ALP conference, scheduled for the weekend of 14 & 15 November, when draft legislation will need to be introduced into Parliament to make this a reality.  ETUVIC has demonstrated the best outcome for job creation would occur through the introduction of a national scheme which would include commercial solar installs.  However, the announcement by NSW for a state based gross scheme is a step in the right direction.