Federal Labor has released the climate policy it will be taking to the Federal Election, with the energy industry to have a considerable role to play in Labor’s plan to reduce Australia’s pollution by 45 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net zero pollution by 2050.
The climate change policy was developed in consultation with industry and experts, and it builds on their already announced Energy Plan and Hydrogen Plan policies.
Labor is proposing to reduce Australia’s pollution by 45 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, leading to net zero pollution by 2050. In addition, a Federal Labor government will target 50 per cent renewable energy in Australia’s electricity mix by 2030.
The Climate Change Action Plan has ten key focus areas which will help deliver on Labor’s aims:
- Making Australia a renewable energy superpower by ensuring that 50 per cent of the nation’s electricity is sourced from renewable energy by 2030, and empowering households and businesses to take advantage of cheap, clean renewable energy and storage.
- Supporting the transition to cleaner and cheaper power by implementing Labor’s National Energy Plan and ensuring an orderly transition for industries, communities and workers.
- Boosting clean transport and infrastructure through Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Policy and implementing vehicle emission standards.
- Building jobs and industry by partnering with industry to help businesses find innovative solutions to bring down pollution, support trade exposed industries, and build the new jobs and industries of the future.
- Kickstarting Australia’s hydrogen economy with a $1 billion plan to create new jobs, support new businesses and supercharge Australia’s renewable energy industry.
- Cutting pollution by extending the safeguard mechanism to bring down pollution from Australia’s biggest polluters, in line with our international obligations, while supporting jobs and competitiveness.
- Reducing pollution on the land by reinvigorating the Carbon Farming Initiative to supply carbon offsets and reduce pollution on the land, and taking action to deal with broad-scale land clearing.
- Increasing energy efficiency by implementing a comprehensive Energy Productivity and Efficiency Review, and through measures like our Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Accelerator program, harmonising state energy efficiency schemes and allowing ARENA to invest in energy efficiency projects.
- Reviving international engagement on climate change by reinstating an Australian Climate Ambassador, reengaging constructively in the UNFCCC process and supporting our Pacific neighbours.
- Restoring Australia’s climate change institutions by restoring and reforming the Climate Change Authority and implementing triennial Climate Change Assessments.
“Labor will take real action on climate change, by working with industries to bring down pollution, protect competitiveness and jobs, and build the industries of the future,” said Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten.
“Our plan will provide the stability and certainty business need, while reducing pollution. We won’t be introducing a carbon tax, carbon pricing mechanism or raising any revenue from climate policies.”
“Our approach is cooperative and tailored to keep the economy strong while bringing down pollution to protect our future.”
Labor’s full Climate Change Policy can be viewed here.
