One Nation takes up hydrocarbon cause

HVAC&R may become a vote-decider in the upcoming Queensland election, as the One Nation party supports changes to regulations around hydrocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Last week the member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew, posted a question for notice to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham.

“With reference to the rest of Australia having legalised and enjoying the cost-saving benefits concerning the use of hydrocarbon refrigerant and taking into consideration that Minister Lynham has been made aware of its economical benefits earlier this year – will the Minister explain why hydrocarbon refrigerant has been banned by the current Labor government in Queensland?” Andrew asked.

In accordance with the Standing Orders, an answer will be required by September 10.

At the same time, Andrew has given his support to a Queensland Parliament petition to “Approve the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants and appliances in Queensland”. One Nation is promoting the petition through its social media channels.

“Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that for reasons known only to them, the Queensland Department of Mines has for many years been at the forefront of crusade against the introduction of natural and especially hydrocarbon refrigerants into the mainstream refrigeration and air conditioning,” reads the petition.

“Queensland is the only state in Australia seeing the need to regulate the use of hydrocarbons in HVACR systems without a shred of evidence to justify their heavy-handed and completely unnecessary legislation. Hydrocarbons have been widely used in every state and territory for almost 25 years with excellent safety records.

“NSW shopping centres report savings of over $1 million per annum in energy bills using hydrocarbon refrigerants. Many report savings of between 27 per cent up to 50 per cent by installing Australian-approved hydrocarbon appliances which are safe and emit 3,300 per cent less CO₂ pollutants/10kg compared to current refrigerants.”

Read the full petition here.