20 November 1997
Since its election the Government has addressed the critical issue of global warming in a way that effectively promotes Australia's national interests.
Those interests lie both in protecting Australian jobs and Australian industry whilst ensuring that Australia plays her part in the world wide effort needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
From the start, we have made it plain that Australia would not accept an unfair share of the burden. We have rejected and will continue to reject mandatory uniform targets which advantage many developed countries to the distinct disadvantage of countries such as Australia.
We have also made it plain that we are not prepared to see Australian jobs sacrificed and efficient Australian industries, particularly in the resources sector, robbed of their hard-earned, competitive advantage.
Moreover, we have persistently stressed the need to involve developing countries as their participation is crucial to any lasting solution to the global warming problem.
These principles have guided our approach.
There is now clear evidence that Australia's campaign for equity and realism has won wider support and so, far from our country being isolated on the issue, there is growing international support for the view that the approach of, say, the European Union is both unfair and unachievable.
We have an obligation to defend and protect Australian interests, Australian jobs and Australian industry. We also owe it to future generations of Australians to play an effective role in the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government's approach to development and the environment has been balanced and far sighted.
That approach is reflected in the $1.25 billion Natural Heritage Trust. The Trust promotes practical ways to rejuvenate the land, rivers and oceans and is the most profound commitment of any government to the environment.
The same balanced approach is behind our Regional Forests Agreements where the practical commitment to equally boost jobs and protect forests has resulted in 409,000 hectares of additional reserves through the two agreements signed so far.
That balance is also reflected in the protection and management of our seas and oceans through the development of a national oceans policy. This will build on the $106 million already provided through the Natural Heritage Trust for restoring the ocean environment.
This same consistent balanced and far-sighted approach has been applied to the greenhouse gas challenge.
Today I announce the largest and most far-reaching package of measures to address climate change ever undertaken by any government in Australia.
The package carefully preserves a unique environment and lifestyle for our children's sake, defends wealth creating efficient industries and promotes lasting employment into the future. It provides a durable framework to promote Australia's national interest towards the year 2010 and beyond.
In a comprehensive manner, it replaces and far exceeds the random, disjointed projects of the previous government.
The world's climate scientists have provided us with a clear message - that the balance of evidence suggests humans are having a discernible influence on global climate.
What is required is sober, sensible but forward-looking action to reduce greenhouse gases and this is the approach my Government will adopt.
Although Australia contributes only 1.4 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions we want to play our part in meeting this challenge. But pulling our weight doesn't mean carrying more than our share of the burden. Only with all countries working together, carrying equitable burdens, can we achieve an effective global outcome.
This will require creativity, persistence and in some instances, sacrifices - but the benefits of preserving our environment and quality of life for the sake of our children are too important to forgo.
PLAYING OUR PART - NEW DOMESTIC GREENHOUSE MEASURES
For various reasons Australia is unique.
Our economy has evolved on the basis of our abundant supply of natural resources and efficient production and processing of fossil fuels and mineral resources. Fossil fuels currently provide 94 per cent of our energy needs - far more than other OECD countries.
Our population is expected to grow by 30 per cent from 1990 to 2020 compared to less than three per cent in Europe.
We will continue to experience stronger economic and employment growth than most OECD countries.
Our cities are decentralised and widely separated, resulting in high transport use per capita compared to the smaller, closely populated European Union countries.
Our trade profile means that about 20 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions are embodied in our exports (notably aluminium and agricultural products) - double the OECD average and the highest in the industrialised word.
Our emissions profile is also unique amongst developed countries where the energy sector accounts for about half of our emissions, compared with an average of 80 per cent for OECD countries; and where land use and forestry account for around 20 per cent of Australia's emissions. This reflects the significance of agriculture to our economy.
In addition, Australia has a responsibility to export the resources necessary to fuel the growth of her regional partners and to provide the food required for their people.
For all of these reasons our emissions are projected to grow faster than other countries. Uniform target proposals that do not take these circumstances into account will place an unfair penalty on Australia.
Reducing emissions growth is therefore particularly challenging and is more costly for us than for most other industrial countries. But we are still committed to playing our part in cutting emissions.
Without further action, Australia's emissions are expected to grow by around 28 per cent from 1990 to 2010. This is based on a comprehensive approach excluding land use change. Emissions from the energy sector alone are expected to grow by around 40 per cent.
The package I announce today will achieve a dramatic reduction of a third in our expected net emissions growth from 1990 to 2010.
These measures will reduce our net emissions growth from 28 to 18 per cent in that period, or some 39 million tonnes of emissions. This is comparable to the emissions from all the electricity used by households right across Australia.
This is a realistic, even conservative, calculation of the emission benefits. The benefits from plantations and land use changes, for example, could well be greater than we have estimated. With the most effective implementation of the package, the full support of industry and the community, and the best contribution of the States and Territories we may well achieve even greater reductions.
Taken with greenhouse measures Australia already has in place the package will mean Australia's effort broadly compares on the same basis to what the United States and the European Union are proposing. Moreover, we are not waiting for others to act.
None of us should underestimate the commitment required to achieve these outcomes. They will require hard work from all of us. The package gives the lie to those who make exaggerated but ultimately empty claims that fine sounding targets can easily be achieved.
The measures have been developed against the background of our national circumstances and our national interest. They also have been developed against achievements by Australia to date such as reform of our electricity and gas markets, halving the amount of waste going into landfill by the year 2000 compared to 1990 levels and the efforts of particular industries such as the aluminium industry which will reduce emissions by more than 20 per cent over the same period.
The Government is seeking realistic, cost effective reductions in key sectors where emissions are high or growing strongly while also fairly spreading the burden of action across our economy.
The package will allow us to improve the performance of our highly competitive energy dependent sectors while also stimulating new sectors such as renewable energy. It will demonstrate we can improve the environment whilst generating new jobs and exports. Far from risking 90,000 potential jobs, as would be the case if we accepted some proposals, the measures I announce have the potential to create wealth and jobs.
They address emissions across many sectors - residential, industry, transport, energy, agriculture, forestry and government operations - in an integrated, effective, and above all, fair way.
We are prepared to ask industry to do more than they may otherwise be prepared to do, that is, to go beyond a 'no regrets', minimal cost approach where this is sensible in order to achieve effective and meaningful outcomes.
The Government is providing $180 million over five years for these measures. This is a significant sum by any standards and a substantial increase in funding. This package far exceeds the efforts by previous governments on addressing the greenhouse problem.
Most of this expenditure will be spent on completely new measures, while some existing programs will be substantially expanded.
Importantly, the level of Commonwealth expenditure does not represent the whole story. These initiatives will stimulate additional actions and investment by the States and Territories, industry, and in some cases, consumers.
Our measures build on those in the draft National Greenhouse Strategy. State and Territory leaders have indicated their support for our greenhouse response and have agreed to work with us co-operatively in implementing it and in considering further action of their own.
Let me outline the specific measures.
Renewable Energy
Renewable forms of energy currently contribute about six per cent to Australia's total energy needs, an amount comparable to the OECD average of 6.4 per cent. The Government will be committing $65 million to ensure this level is increased.
By contributing $21 million, we will create a specialist renewable energy innovation investment fund to provide government and private sector venture capital for companies with high growth potential.
So that we can capitalise on our skills we will provide a $30 million loans and grants programme for the development and commercialisation of the renewable energy industry. This will directly support the creation of new businesses, jobs and exports. This funding represents a huge increase on the $4.8 million over four years spent by the previous government on the Renewable Energy Industry Programme.
And we will also provide $10 million for some leading edge renewable energy 'showcase' projects in areas such as tidal power solar thermal power and photovoltaic technologies.
The Government will work with the States and Territories to set a mandatory target for electricity retailers to source an additional two per cent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010. This will accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in grid-based electricity and provide a larger base for the development of commercially competitive renewable energy.
This enormous boost to renewable energy development is a huge improvement on programmes such as the Energy Research and Development Corporation which had been overtaken by changes in the energy sector.
Our new programmes will stimulate innovative technologies and wealth-creating businesses and energy suppliers who provide power to communities, employ Australians and export to the world. It is an action-oriented approach.
Energy Market Reform
The possibilities for fuel substitution and innovation will be enhanced as we continue and accelerate the process of energy market reform.
We will work with the States and industry to develop and implement by the year 2000, efficiency standards for fossil fuel electricity generation, including for brown and black coal and gas fired plants.
This will ensure the adoption of best practice new technology in each fossil fuel class. Standards will also be phased in to encourage emissions reductions in existing plants. The standards will apply to new electricity generation projects and existing generation.
These initiatives mean that Australian energy suppliers will be able to stand tall when it comes to being clean, green and cost competitive.
Automotive Industry
In 1995, ten per cent of Australia's net emissions were generated by cars, four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles.
We will implement an Automotive Industry Environmental Strategy, in consultation with the automotive and oil industries and other stakeholders, to enhance the industry's environmental performance.
This strategy will involve several elements including:
mandatory, model specific, fuel efficiency labelling;
harmonised noxious emissions standards with international standards by 2006;
a 15 per cent fuel efficiency improvement target by 2010 over business as usual through negotiation with automotive companies; and
bringing forward the phase-out of leaded petrol, taking equity considerations into account.
The Government will also develop a basic network of compressed natural gas refuelling stations in selected metropolitan areas to encourage light commercial vehicles to switch to this more environmentally friendly fuel.
These measures will reduce air pollution and improve the health of our cities as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards
The Government will also work with the States, Territories and industry to develop energy efficiency codes and standards for housing and commercial buildings, appliances and equipment.
For industrial and commercial appliances and equipment we will implement an improved labelling programme and minimum energy performance standards.
We will expand the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme by including a minimum energy performance requirement for new houses and major extensions and we will work with the States, Territories and industry to develop voluntary minimum energy performance standards for new and substantially refurbished commercial buildings.
These initiatives will take us to best practice standards in these important areas. If this voluntary approach does not achieve acceptable progress within 12 months, we will work to implement mandatory standards.
Tree Planting and Revegetation
Plantations and revegetation are important means of soaking up greenhouse emissions - known as greenhouse sinks.
The Government will work to remove impediments to the development of commercial plantations to achieve the Plantations 2020 vision of trebling the plantation estate by 2020. We will establish a Bush for Greenhouse Programme to encourage corporate funding of revegetation projects to act as sinks.
This will build on the $22 million for farm forestry and the massive $328 million revegetation programme being undertaken under the Bushcare Initiative of the Natural Heritage Trust, which represents the largest revegetation effort ever undertaken with almost a tenfold increase on the funding of revegetation programmes of the previous Government.
Greenhouse Challenge programme
The Greenhouse Challenge programme is central to the partnership between government and industry to reduce emissions.
This programme currently has 100 signed agreements with businesses from a wide range of sectors.
In total, companies that have signed agreements account for over 45 per cent of Australia's industrial emissions.
Participants have committed themselves to reduce their forecast growth in emissions by about 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by the year 2000.
The announcement today provides extra funding of $27 million to extend the programme to smaller companies and to increase the number of large and medium company participants to 500 by the year 2000 and to more than 1000 companies by 2005.
Commonwealth Greenhouse Office
In order to ensure this package of measures is delivered a Commonwealth Greenhouse Office will be established within the Department of the Environment. This Office will have responsibility for the coordination of domestic climate change policy.
The Office will be the lead Commonwealth agency on greenhouse matters. It will provide a mechanism to ensure domestic greenhouse matters receive the priority the issue deserves and the Government intends.
Other Measures
Further measures as part of this statement include action to reduce emissions in urban areas, initiatives to work toward best energy practice in targeted industries, funding towards a ethanol pilot plant, the development of a national carbon accounting system, funding to support various National Greenhouse Strategy related measures, and additional funding to ensure commercial joint implementation projects in developing countries.
We are also committed to reducing emissions from the Commonwealth Government's own operations, including purchases of more energy efficient equipment and appliances. We will be setting fuel consumption targets for the Commonwealth vehicle fleet.
AUSTRALIA'S APPROACH: FORWARD LOOKING AND GLOBAL
The Government believes that like our national effort, the international response to climate change must be effective in terms of meeting the environmental challenge, equitable in terms of the costs to be borne by individual countries and least damaging as possible to the living standards and employment prospects of our people.
For these reasons Australia has proposed that individual targets for industrialised countries be differentiated according to national circumstances.
Uniform target proposals based on a 1990 base year would impose a disproportionate burden on Australia. The cost to our economy of meeting a uniform target of the order proposed by the European Union would impose a cost on all Australians that other countries would not accept.
Some industries fundamental to the health of our economy would be hardest hit. The non-ferrous metals, iron and steel and coal industries would be seriously affected, and future investment and employment growth would be jeopardised.
Even stabilising our emissions at 1990 levels would put at risk $68 billion of energy intensive projects and the tens of thousands of potential jobs that go with them.
Significant regional dislocation would result in places like the Illawarra and Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Bowen Basin and Gladstone in Queensland, Geelong and the La Trobe Valley in Victoria, Port Pirie in South Australia and the Kwinana region of Western Australia.
Moreover, the European Community is not asking its own members to reach a uniform target. Portugal for example, would be permitted to increase its emissions by almost 40 per cent.
We reject this approach of punishing Australian industries to carry a burden that other countries are not prepared to accept. It is far more sensible and responsible to improve the performance of existing industries and build new green industries to provide for both jobs and the environment.
We believe the way forward is for all countries to play a fair part, with flexibility in the methods used to reach the targets.
We strongly support a comprehensive approach to setting targets which covers all greenhouse gases, emission sources, sinks and sectors. The wider the coverage the greater the flexibility to maximise environmental benefit and minimise economic cost.
Australia also believes that an international emissions trading regime would help minimise costs of reducing emissions. We would support emissions trading on the basis of a satisfactory initial allocation of emission entitlements and a practical resolution of the administrative difficulties involved.
Joint implementation measures whereby developed countries can work with developing countries on emission reduction projects can achieve worthwhile outcomes. Australia is looking to Kyoto to support joint implementation as a means of engaging developing countries in the global effort.
All along we have argued that climate change is a global problem and all countries should contribute to the solution. Action by developed countries alone will be ineffective. Over time, developing countries must become involved - as by early next century they will account for over 50 per cent of global emissions.
The Kyoto outcome should provide for procedures and timeframes for negotiating targets by major developing country emitters.
Australia's proposal for negotiated, differentiated targets is the best basis for a fair outcome which has a prospect of actually being put into practice and improving the world's environment. It is also the best basis for encouraging developing countries to take on commitments to reduce emissions.
The Government has said it would not agree to legally binding targets until their nature and content and implications for Australia are clear. We will not agree to any targets that impose substantial costs on Australia that are not faced by other OECD countries.
CONCLUSION
With the package of measures I have announced today, the Government is not posturing for negotiating purposes with theoretical targets but is already taking practical steps to reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
It is a package that goes well beyond what any previous government has sought to do. It is a package that puts Australia at the forefront of international action. And it is a package that Australia will implement even if the international community fails to reach agreement at Kyoto.
As I have demonstrated to date, my Government will continue to stand up for our national interest, jobs and economy in the international negotiations.
We will not agree to an outcome that burdens us in an unfair manner.
My Government has had some success in our efforts to argue the case that an effective result at Kyoto will require an equitable approach. We have managed to shift the international debate. As a result of our efforts, there is greater recognition of the need to take into account individual national circumstances if there is to be a successful outcome - as the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, acknowledged in our recent discussions.
There is also greater recognition of the need for flexibility to ensure countries can make a contribution to the global effort - as President Clinton acknowledged in my meeting with him in June.
At the South Pacific Forum and most recently at CHOGM we were successful in gaining acceptance of the need for global engagement by both developed and developing countries.
Nevertheless, let there be no doubt the Kyoto negotiations will be difficult.
Australia's Environment Minister, Senator Robert Hill, who will be leading our delegation at Kyoto, will be doing his utmost to secure an agreement that will both be fair to Australia and be effective in reducing global emissions.
Ultimately, the success of our domestic measures depends upon the goodwill, commitment and action by ordinary Australians, consumers, families, firms and industry groups, as well as Governments Federal, State, and local. The greenhouse challenge is theirs and quality of life of our children depends upon their strength of purpose.
Mr Speaker, I present a copy of my statement and an appendix which provides further details of the measures I have announced today.
APPENDIX
COMMONWEALTH GREENHOUSE MEASURES
Residential
$ million
Cities for Climate Protection
The Cities for Climate Protection is a voluntary scheme through which local governments quantify their emissions, then develop and implement action plans to reduce them, particularly through community partnerships. It is based on the International Cities for Climate Protection Campaign programme developed by the International Council of Local Environment Initiatives.
13.0
Household Greenhouse Action
Household greenhouse action will bring together the various spheres of government, key industries and professional organisations in broadly based partnerships to develop integrated, consistent and effective strategies to address residential greenhouse emissions. Demonstration projects and the development of best practice guides will be undertaken to promote energy efficiency services and products as a key concern in housing design, redevelopment and use. Energy efficiency rating schemes will be integrated into relevant approval processes for new homes and major renovations.
2.2
Industry
$ million
Extension and Expansion of the Greenhouse Challenge Office - Government/Industry
Co-operative Agreements Programme
This programme will be expanded to involve more large and medium companies and to include small businesses through an innovative Greenhouse Allies programme. The objective of the programme is to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by industry enterprises. The programme involves enterprises identifying the scope to reduce emissions, putting into place action plans to achieve this outcome and monitoring and reporting on performance. It will expand to 500 the number of large and medium size companies to join the programme by 2000, and to more than 1,000 by 2005.
27.1
Energy Performance Codes and Standards for Domestic Appliances and Industrial Equipment
The measure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment. The programme enhances and extends existing energy efficiency programmes. It involves the development of minimum energy performance standards for new appliances and equipment, regulating or developing codes of practice to ensure their adoption and, where appropriate, labelling or rating appliances and equipment to help consumers in their selection.
4.4
Energy Performance Codes and Standards for Housing and Commercial Buildings
The measure involves expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) by including a minimum energy performance requirement for new housing and extensions to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Commonwealth will work with the States, Territories and key industry stakeholders to develop voluntary minimum energy performance standards for new and substantially refurbished commercial buildings on the basis of energy efficiency benchmarks. If after twelve months the government assesses that the voluntary approach is not achieving acceptable progress towards higher standards of energy efficiency for housing and commercial buildings, we will work with the States and industry to implement mandatory standards through amendment of the Building Code of Australia.
4.4
Industry Efficiency Benchmarking and Best Practice
The measure involves industry associations and government working together to identify types, extent and patterns of energy use within sectors, the improvement potential of enterprises within that sector based on best practice and working on strategies to implement best practice and to monitor progress. The benchmarks and best practice indicators will be provided for use by the Greenhouse Challenge programme to assist in formulating cooperative agreements.
10.3
Transport
$ million
Environmental Strategy for Automotive Industry
This strategy aims to significantly enhance the environmental performance of the automotive industry through a range of measures including: mandatory fuel efficiency labelling through Australian design rules; bringing forward the phase out of leaded fuel, taking equity considerations into account; progressive tightening of noxious emissions standards with a view to harmonisation with international standards by 2006; negotiations with the automotive industry and companies to secure a 15 per cent fuel efficiency improvement target by 2010 over business as usual (recognising that the scope for model and design change will increase progressively from 2003) within the National Average Fuel Consumption framework; and the development of options for challenging but realistic fuel efficiency targets for the Commonwealth car fleet from 2003.
0.5
Light Commercial Vehicles - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure
This will facilitate a switch to the use of natural gas in light commercial vehicles through the establishment of a distribution network of service stations in collaboration with natural gas companies and local government authorities. The programme aims to establish a minimum refuelling network, firstly in Sydney and Melbourne, with possible extension to other major urban centres.
3.8
Ethanol Pilot Plant (funding previously announced)
An ethanol pilot plant will be built to demonstrate new Australian technologies for the production of ethanol from wood fibres and simultaneous waste treatment. It is anticipated that the ethanol pilot plant will realise substantial net greenhouse gas reduction, urban air quality and economic benefits greater than all existing fuel ethanol production technologies.
2.0
Energy
$ million
Accelerating Energy Market Reform
The objective is to lower the rate of growth of emissions by improving the economic efficiency of energy supply. The measure will expand energy market reforms to extend electricity reform, deliver integrated and compatible national frameworks for gas and electricity by 2002, and with the States develop the means to identify greenhouse intensity of energy sources in energy market trading pools by 2001.
5.6
Efficiency Standards for Power Generation
The Commonwealth will work with the States to achieve movement towards best practice in the efficiency of electricity generation conversion by implementing efficiency standards for different fossil fuel classes, so as to deliver reductions in the greenhouse gas intensity of energy supply. Standards will apply to new electricity generation projects, significant refurbishments and existing generation.
4.1
Mandatory Targets for the Uptake of Renewable Energy in Power Supplies
Targets will be set for the inclusion of renewable energy in electricity generation by the year 2010. Electricity retailers and other large electricity buyers will be legally required to source an additional 2% of their electricity from renewable or specified waste-product energy sources by 2010 (including through direct investment in alternative renewable energy sources such as solar water heaters). This will accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in grid-based power applications, and provide an ongoing base for commercially competitive renewable energy. The programme will also contribute to the development of internationally competitive industries which could participate effectively in the burgeoning Asian energy market.
3.8
Renewables
$ million
Renewable Energy Innovation Investment Fund (REIIF)
The REIIF will provide funding specifically for the facilitation of commercialisation and application of renewable energy technologies. All initial investments will be required to be in the early stages of company development. Government funding will be provided through licences to REIIF fund managers on a competitive basis and invested along with private sector funding on a 2:1 basis.
21.0
Renewable Energy Technology Commercialisation Loans and Grants
The competitive loans and grants programme will provide support for, and promotion of, strategically important renewable energy initiatives that have strong commercial potential. This will be integrated with the existing Renewable Energy Industry Programme.
29.6
Renewable Energy Showcase
A few leading edge "showcase" projects will be selected via competitive tender for seed funding and/or promotion. These could include projects which are close to becoming commercial, such as tidal power projects; solar thermal projects and a central photovoltaic generating project in a technology park.
10.5
Renewable Energy Technology Internet Site
Funding for the development of a sophisticated and up-to-date Internet site on renewable technologies along the lines of that operated by the US Department of Energy to provide information on technologies, examples of their application and available government assistance.
0.3
International
$ million
Activities Implemented Jointly
Additional funding for the AIJ Office, to facilitate commercial projects in developing countries and help meet the additional transaction costs incurred by business in undertaking a AIJ project. This will provide Australian industry with a greater incentive to undertake such projects.
6.0
Revegetation, Plantations and Land Use
$ million
Plantations - 2020 vision
The objective of the programme is to implement key Commonwealth responsibilities of the Plantations 2020 Visions which aims to treble Australia's plantation estate by 2020 and thereby increase carbon sequestration. In collaboration with State governments and industry, the programme involves removing impediments to Australian commercial plantations and supporting plantation establishment and enhancing investment in plantation-based industries.
1.9
Bush for Greenhouse
The uptake of carbon dioxide in trees and vegetation offers significant potential to reduce the overall level of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will facilitate corporate funding of Natural Heritage Trust revegetation projects through Bushcare. Companies or investors will obtain recognition for the stored carbon reservoir created. By allowing companies to invest in revegetation activities, companies will have a method to offset emissions created by their activities elsewhere. Projects selected would have significant carbon sink potential and would meet the range of other Bushcare objectives.
5.5
National Carbon Accounting System for Land Based Sources and Sinks
This measure will establish a national carbon accounting system through the Bureau of Resource Sciences (BRS) and Environment Australia (EA) to be managed by a high level steering committee including key stakeholders. A consolidated package will provide the comprehensive framework and scientific services necessary to account for Australia's emission reduction and sink enhancement programmes to an internationally credible standard. Data on Australia's carbon stocks will be verified by satellite monitoring and audited by on-ground sampling procedures. This form of carbon accounting, which has been adopted by the IPCC, will enable Australia to benefit from the full 'carbon value' of its sink development initiatives such as Plantations 2020 vision and Bush for Greenhouse.
12.5
Reducing Methane Emissions from Livestock
This measure will provide funding to promote a CSIRO developed vaccine which inhibits the production of methane in the rumen of livestock.
1.0
Government Operations
$ million
Energy Efficiency Improvement in Commonwealth Operations
The objective of this measure is to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of Commonwealth operations and, by so doing, lead the community by example. The programme involves setting mandatory targets, use of performance contracting, monitoring and reporting on performance, the development of minimum energy performance standards for new and refurbished buildings, appliances and equipment and a requirement for utilisation of solar and other renewable energy technologies where relevant and cost effective.
0
Institutional Arrangements
$ million
Establishment of the Commonwealth Greenhouse Office
Implementation of greenhouse response measures is fragmented across a number of agencies and there is a lack of coordination in delivery. A 'Commonwealth Greenhouse Office' will be created within the Department of the Environment, which will be responsible for coordination of domestic climate change policy and delivery of greenhouse response programmes. The office will be the lead Commonwealth agency on greenhouse matters.
0
Other Measures
$ million
Funding for other National Greenhouse Strategy related Commonwealth measures
Details to be finalised in consultation with the States and Territories. 10.5
TOTAL
(Total does not add due to rounding)
See original transcript at:
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/10052/20011121-0000/www.pm.gov.au/news/me…