The Turnbull Government will begin a review of climate change policies in 2017.
The review will take stock of Australia’s progress in reducing emissions, and ensure the Government’s policies remain effective in achieving Australia’s 2030 target and Paris Agreement commitments.
Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg released the terms of reference for the review, which will be led by his department.
Mr Frydenberg said the review delivered on a commitment by the Federal Government to undertake a review when it set Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target.
“Australia’s approach to climate change policy is to meet our international emissions reduction commitments while at the same time maintaining energy security and affordability,” he said.
Australia recently ratified the Paris Agreement and has an ambitious target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030.
Mr Frydenberg said the country’s effective climate change policies are working.
“We beat our first Kyoto target by 128 million tonnes and are on track to beat our second Kyoto 2020 target by 78 million tonnes,” he said.
The Government is also committed to a Renewable Energy Target of 23.5 per cent by 2020 which was legislated in the Federal Parliament in 2015.
“The 2017 review will build on the success of the Government’s approach and ensure policies remain effective in achieving Australia’s 2030 target and Paris Agreement commitments,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“The review will also build on other important work underway, including the Finkel Review into the reliability and security of the National Electricity Market, and the National Energy Productivity Plan.”
The Government will consult with business and the community throughout the review and a discussion paper will be released in early 2017 seeking public submissions.
The review will look at:
- the opportunities and challenges of reducing emissions on a sector-by-sector basis;
- the impact of policies on jobs, investment, trade competitiveness, households and regional Australia;
- the integration of climate change and energy policy, including the impact of state-based policies on achieving an effective national approach;
- the role and operation of the Emissions Reduction Fund and its safeguard mechanism;
- complementary policies, including the National Energy Productivity Plan;
- the role of research and development and innovation;
- the potential role of credible international units in meeting Australia’s emissions targets; and
- a potential long-term emissions reduction goal post-2030.
The review will involve close engagement with business and the community, beginning with consultation on a discussion paper.
The review will commence in February 2017 and conclude by the end of 2017.
