Climate Change in Australia

Australia is yet decided on a comprehensive response to climate change. In December 2007 the Rudd Government addressed climate change through ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, and initiating the Garnaut Review.

Following the review, the Government introduced its plan for a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme which included plans for an emissions trading scheme (ETS).

During the 2007 election, the Australian Government also committed to establishing a legal framework providing for Indigenous participation in the carbon markets in order to:

encourage partnerships between the private sector and Indigenous communities

conduct research around scientific and market potential

Potential benefits of the carbon market for Indigenous communities include:

biodiversity benefits created by indigenous land management

sustainable time productions

tourism

horticulture and pastoral work

Responses to Climate Change in Australia have included:

establishment of the National Emissions Trading Taskforce (NETT)

Garnaut Review

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

 Senate Inquiries

Timeline of Events

April 2010 - the Prime Minister announced plans to introduce the National Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme would be put on hold until after 2012.

December 2009 the Labour government attempted to pass legislation for an Emission Trading System (ETS).

This legislation sought to put in place a system to fulfil a commitment to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution by 5%.

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill (along with five other bills) was twice passed from the House of Representative to the Senate.

The Bill was defeated the second time and triggered a ‘double dissolution’

11 March 2009 - the Senate referred the Exposure draft of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics. 

30 September 2008- Garnaut Climate Change Review Final Report

July 2008 - the Australian Government released the ‘Green paper – Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.’

30 June 2008 - Senate Inquiry into Climate Change and the Australian Agricultural Sector’ - by the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport

April 2007 – Garnaut Review Commissioned

12 December 2007 – Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol

December 2007 - NETT final Framework Report released

August 2006 – NETT final report - Possible design for a national greenhouse gas emission trading scheme: Final framework report on scheme design.

August 2006 - the National Emissions Trading Taskforce (NETT) established

Related Links

The Department of Climate Change

NETT discussion paper from August 2006

NETT’s final report in 2007

Senate Inquiry into Climate Change and the Australian Agricultural Sector’ (2008) by the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport