Environment Minister Peter Garrett blamed the sudden move on a cost blow-out,
from an original estimate of $150 million to $750 million a year, due to its
unexpected popularity.
Mr Garrett set aside a further $271 million in the May budget to fund the
rebate scheme until June 30, but it is understood that money has been almost
entirely consumed by 30,000 applications in the past month.
Would you like to comment?
Join Diigo for a free account, or sign in if you are already a member.