IT IS disturbing to hear that organisations and businesses in the Ballarat region have reportedly been exposed financially through the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

The scheme – up until recently – has failed to attract any significant public scrutiny in comparison to other major programs introduced by the former Labor government such as the building the education revolution or pink batts program.

It has been, however, beset with issues which have seen early targets for delivery not met.

It now also seems that it has been exploited at the expense of not-for-profit organisation UnitingCare in Ballarat and others in the region. 

Businesses who spoke to The Courier this week have confirmed that they too are out of pocket.

The Courier this week revealed that police are investigating the actions of those alleged to have taken part in the scheme.

One can only think, unfortunately, that these issues stretch beyond what is already publicly known.

What’s even more concerning, however, is its impact on the viability of key local institutions.

As much as the police are taking action, so should the government in assessing solutions for those who are most impacted.

A renewable future needs a present-day response

IT’S not surprising that companies which previously invested in renewable energy in Victoria are pulling up stumps.

In recent years, changes in government policy at state and national levels have hindered investment in renewable projects.

The continuing uncertainty that exists around the current federal government’s stance on the Renewable Energy Target is just the latest hurdle.

Whatever the position might be on the environment, the reality is that hundreds of jobs in the sector have been lost due to poor policy. 

There is, however, always a way to spin the story, as Victorian Premier Denis Napthine did on Thursday, blaming the wind energy industry.

“They ought to hang their heads in shame for importing towers and costing local jobs,” he said.

Right or wrong, in an age where we pledge to be so forward-thinking, our actions belie reality.