The USU doesn’t just fight for members at work, we also raise our voice on the broader issues that affect your daily lives and your communities.
At our recent Executive meeting, members highlighted growing concerns about the rising cost of living and the fairness of Australia’s energy transition. Acting on those concerns, the USU wrote to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, to put forward questions that matter to working people.
Why we care
Our members aren’t immune from the cost-of-living crisis. Sky-high electricity and gas bills hit everyone, but especially single workers without dependants who don’t qualify for existing rebates or concessions. Members also raised concerns about renters being locked out of renewable energy savings, and the challenges apartment-dwellers face when trying to install EV chargers or battery systems.
These are issues of fairness. Working people should not be left behind in the energy transition.
What we asked
In our letter to Minister Bowen, we raised four key questions:
- Will the government extend energy bill assistance to single workers who are currently excluded from rebates?
- How will apartment owners be supported to install EV chargers and renewable energy systems?
- What plans are there to ensure landlords make solar available to renters, who are often facing the highest bills?
- Is there consideration of a broader carbon pricing framework to make sure Australia does its part in tackling climate change fairly?
What we’re doing
By raising these issues directly with the Minister, your Union is ensuring that the concerns of everyday working people are heard at the highest levels. This advocacy goes beyond the workplace – showing the strength of being part of a union that represents you on the big issues too.
Read the full letter
For full transparency, a copy of our letter to Minister Bowen is included HERE.
