25 November 2009
Environment, welfare, union and research groups, while expressing deep concern about additional compensation to industry, has given conditional* support to the passage of the amended CPRS rather than risk more years of squabbling that would choke climate action and investments in clean energy technology, jobs and industries.
“We support immediate passage of this legislation not because of what it is, but what it can become with better targeted incentives, improved energy efficiency, and stronger clean energy and other low carbon policies .
“We support immediate passage of this legislation because this settlement between Australia’s two major parties allows us to move on from the scaremongering, distortions and deception of big polluters and others who have sought delays and special deals.
“We support immediate passage of this legislation because, on balance, we believe this is the best chance for the Australian Government to aim for the more ambitious end of the 5% to 25% pollution reduction range by 2020, which has bi-partisan support.
“Critically, amendments that could have hindered achieving this range have not been accepted.
“Our difficult decision to offer support comes with a strong commitment to pursue laggards in industry, and the Government on further urgent climate action and a fast and fair transition to a clean energy economy.
Some key positive amendments in the package include:
- Review mechanisms for industry assistance, within reasonable timeframes
- Funding for environment stewardship and biodiversity resilience
- Action on national energy efficiency mechanisms
- Recognition of voluntary actions from households including Greenpower
“This is not the end of the process, it is the beginning.
“We will focus now on the immediate need for Australian Government financing of forest protection, adaptation and mitigation that is also a key aspect of a global climate agreement.”
“We will work tirelessly to ensure Australia is both competitive in the emerging global clean energy economy and cooperative in helping achieve an effective global climate agreement.”
John Connor, CEO The Climate Institute
Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS
Greg Bourne, CEO, WWF
Sharan Burrow, President, ACTU
*Support is conditional on consideration of the fine print of the legislative amendments.
Media contact: ACOSS Clare Cameron 0419 626 155