Strata Community Association (SCA) Australasia has welcomed the Labor Party’s $2.3 billion federal election energy pledge to subsidise home battery installations but has questioned whether 5 million Australians living in apartments and strata complexes will miss out.
The policy, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, offers a 30% discount on batteries for households, aiming to support 1 million new battery installations by 2030. However, SCA questions whether strata owners and residents, who make up as many as one-in-five Australians will be able to benefit from the initiative.
SCA has tirelessly advocated for sustainability initiatives and programs in strata complexes that mean people in apartments have the same access to renewable uptake as their freestanding counterparts.
With recent successes like the solar for apartments schemes in NSW and Victoria, prominent inclusion for electric vehicle uptake in apartments in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy and a seat at the table on apartment energy disclosure, Joshua Baldwin, SCA Australasia President emphasised the need for targeted policies for strata:
“While the federal battery subsidy is a step forward, strata communities must be included in these energy reforms if we are to ensure equitable access and foster a truly sustainable future.”
Mr Baldwin, called for collaboration among all stakeholders:
“It’s not a one size fits all solution; tailored policies that address the unique challenges of multi-owner dwellings are required when proposing government initiatives.”
“What we always want to see is policies that cater to people who live in all types of dwellings in Australia.
“SCA is urging the federal government to ensure that strata schemes are included in any future energy and EV policies, and to develop tailored solutions to support the millions of strata residents who are eager to embrace sustainable technologies”.
“We’ve seen governments do it and do it well when they’re aware of the challenges, and we’ll be ensuring we work to keep raising that awareness of strata living, and how it can be meaningfully included in policy initiatives.”
Key Facts:
SCA Calls for Apartment and Strata Inclusion in Federal Battery Policy
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For media inquiries contact:
Nathan Patterson
SCA Media
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