Media Statement - 3rd July 2009
Greg Combet, Acting Minister for Climate Change, today congratulated the European Australian Business Council for their leadership in tackling climate change.
In a speech to the Council in Sydney today, Mr Combet said it was essential for businesses and Governments to work together to deliver a low-pollution world.
"The European Australian Business Council and its members are to be commended for their leadership on climate change and commitment to furthering the debate," Mr Combet said.
"This leadership has been evident during Australian consultations on climate change policy, and internationally, through engagement in the Copenhagen Business Conference on Climate Change."
"Faced with current global economic and environmental shocks, we need this leadership more than ever to keep our economies strong."
"Clarity and regulatory certainty is the key to a strong trade and investment climate. The Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme provides business with the certainty it requires to be confident in making future investments."
Mr Combet said it was disappointing that the Coalition had failed to show leadership on climate change and instead had delayed the passage of both the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the Government's new Renewable Energy Target.
"This was exactly what businesses did not want. Businesses know a price on carbon is coming in the economy and they want certainty as soon as possible."
"While Australia is determined to show leadership on climate change we are not acting alone. In fact, almost all developed countries have announced preliminary targets for the post-2012 period. And many countries are implementing, or considering, emissions trading schemes as a means to achieve those targets - including 27 EU countries, the US, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan," said Mr Combet
"Australia looks forward to continuing to work with the European Australian Business Council to maintain a strong Australia-Europe investment and trading climate - one that fosters sustainable economic growth and job creation while also protecting our environment for future generations."