Conservative MPs Access Solar Rebates While Opposing Renewable Subsidies
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, along with Nationals senator Matt Canavan and MP Kevin Hogan, have claimed taxpayer-funded rebates to install solar power systems on their homes, despite being vocal critics of government subsidies for renewable energy projects. This revelation has ignited accusations of hypocrisy from political opponents.
Details of the Rebate Scheme
Information released by the Clean Energy Regulator under freedom of information laws shows that the three conservative federal politicians accessed the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This program provides financial incentives for installing systems such as rooftop solar panels, solar batteries, solar water heaters, or air-sourced heat pumps. The scheme operates by allowing system owners to claim Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which act as subsidies to reduce upfront installation costs.
According to the regulator, most system owners assign their STCs to an agent—typically the retailer—in exchange for a discount or delayed cash payment. In 2025, 99.6% of STCs were transferred to agents rather than retained by system owners. While the exact value of Hanson's subsidy remains unclear due to variations based on system size and location, the average 10kW solar system installed in Queensland in 2025 would generate an estimated $2,760 rebate, based on an average STC price of $40.
Political Reactions and Defenses
Independent MP Zali Steggall, who has also benefited from the SRES, condemned the conservative MPs' actions as "breathtaking" hypocrisy. She argued that these politicians are undermining policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions while simultaneously taking advantage of public subsidies for renewable energy.
A spokesperson for Hanson responded by stating that Steggall "obviously hasn't read One Nation's energy policy," which was released last December. The policy offers "in principle" support for the SRES, with the spokesperson explaining, "One Nation and Senator Hanson support rooftop solar as one of the few ways households can act to reduce their energy bills." They added, "Of course, this wouldn't be necessary if Labor and Steggall's obsession with large-scale renewables wasn't impoverishing Australian households with record high electricity bills."
However, Hanson has previously criticized aspects of the SRES, specifically targeting the cheaper home batteries program run through the scheme. In a press release last year, she said, "Only One Nation would stop these sneaky takeovers in the name of net zero, and simply make sure you get the cheapest electricity possible whenever you turn on the lights." A party spokesperson declined to clarify whether One Nation's support for the SRES extends to the home battery program that Hanson has criticized.
Other MPs' Involvement and Justifications
The Clean Energy Regulator's data shows that a small-scale certificate application was made for a residential property owned by Pauline Hanson in Queensland in April last year, submitted in her name and approved. Canavan had an STC application approved in 2020, while Hogan had one approved for a property in his name in 2019. Moderate Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, a supporter of climate action, has also benefited from the scheme. Another 13 conservative critics subject to the FOI request were found not to have accessed the program.
Canavan, one of the Nationals' most strident critics of renewable subsidies, defended his use of the SRES by stating he is "not against renewable electricity or electric vehicles." He added, "But I do not think the government should be taking from the poor to pay rich people to have these things." Canavan has previously told the Senate that Australians are being subjected to a "green energy scam," arguing, "Time and time again, there seems to be this disconnect: we say that renewable energy is the cheapest form of power; yet the more renewable energy is installed, the higher everyone's power prices go."
Hogan, who has also criticized net zero policies as "reckless" and leading to "more blackouts and higher power bills," defended his participation in the SRES as part of "a very successful Coalition government policy" that boosted rooftop solar uptake. He expressed concerns about current subsidies, stating, "Taxpayer support should be targeted, transparent and deliver clear value for money. Not rely on large, open-ended subsidies."
Broader Context and Implications
In a 30-second clip posted to her party's Facebook page last August titled "Debunking the anti renewables myth," Hanson revealed that she had installed solar panels on her home, saying, "I am not anti-renewables. Actually I put panels on my roof at home this year, so I have put them on myself." She clarified, "I am anti renewables and putting solar panels ... hundreds of thousands, or millions [of them], on agricultural land." The interviewer summarized her position as supporting solar panels on roofs, keeping coal-fired power stations open, and being pro-nuclear.
Despite this, Hanson has been a fierce critic of government subsidies for renewables, calling for them to be wound up in a Senate speech last year. She argued, "Billions of dollars of taxpayer subsidies for windfarms and solar panels over the past two decades have only resulted in massive increase in the cost of energy."
Steggall emphasized the broader appeal of renewable energy, stating, "Despite the hollow right-wing rhetoric, the benefits of renewable energy are appreciated and enjoyed across the political spectrum." She questioned, "If renewable energy is supposedly so harmful, why are these politicians lining up to benefit from it, and taking public subsidies in the process?" This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over energy policy and the alignment of political actions with public statements in Australia.
