Garnaut Review

The Garnaut Climate Change Review was an independent study conducted by economist Professor Ross Garnaut, commissioned by Australia's Commonwealth, state and territory governments in April 2007.

The final report was presented to the Prime Minister and the eight states and territories on 30 September 2008.

The Garnaut Report considered a number of issues concerning Australia’s response to climate change including:

the evaluation of the costs and benefits of climate change mitigation

the application of the science of climate change to Australia

the international context of Australian mitigation

Australia’s mitigation policy

The review focused on economic implications and the costs involved in mitigating climate change. It did not specifically consider human rights implications.

The Government’s response to the Garnaut review was to establish a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme through the introduction of exposure drafts bills and 'commentaries':

• • Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill: the main bill;
• • Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill (Consequential Amendments): covers changes to taxation and reporting arrangements;
• • Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill: establishes the agency to administer the CPRS
• • three technical CPRS (Charges) Bills, namely 'general', 'customs' and 'excise' bills, (in case the emissions permits are considered taxation, excise or customs).

Click here to access a .pdf version of the Final Report of the Garnaut Review