In a statement yesterday, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said Labor’s strong support for renewable energy was in direct competition with the Opposition’s policy, which he said was to cut the legislated target.

Opposition spokesman Greg Hunt disputed this, saying the Coalition was committed to the 20% Renewable Energy Target.

Hunt said the Coalition would retain the two-year review deadline in 2014, which remained consistent with previous Opposition policy.

“The Coalition is very much aware of the importance of providing certainty for the renewable energy sector and that any significant change would create sovereign risk,” Hunt said.

“Minister Combet’s suggestion that the Coalition has flagged that it will cut the legislated target is completely wrong.

“A Coalition government would consult comprehensively with industry about the review of the RET, a part of a commitment to full and open discussions in all parts of the energy and resources policy.”

This latest debate further fires the argument between the Gillard government and the Opposition over the environment.

The carbon tax and climate change has become a major part of debate in this election year.