Ms Louise Lennon:

I thank Senator Murphy for his questions. The committee could include in its report that there are schemes that have been devised for rural households that are easy to access. They are simple, straightforward to apply for and implement, do not cause as much disruption as some of the other schemes, and are targeted at the more lower income and older homes. The low-cost loans that are coming on stream, it is hoped by the end of March, should also be targeted.

Deputy Collins mentioned the carbon tax and how those who are better off are benefiting more from the ring-fencing of the carbon tax than lower income households. They are still paying higher rates of carbon tax because they are still dependent on fossil fuels. However, lower income households, those who are living in older homes and homes with lower BERs should be prioritised to access those loans. They should also be targeted so they can access them.