RESEARCH PAPER SERIES, 2015–16              UPdated 5 May 2016

Australian climate change policy to 2015: a chronology

Anita Talberg, Simeon Hui and Kate Loynes

Science, Technology, Environment and Resources Section

Introduction

Climate change is a long-term, global problem. Long-term problems generally require stable but flexible policy implementation over time. However, Australia’s commitment to climate action over the past three decades could be seen as inconsistent and lacking in direction. At times Australia has been an early adopter, establishing the world’s first government agency dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; signing on to global climate treaties the same day they are created; establishing the world’s first emissions trading scheme (ETS) (albeit at a state level); and pioneering an innovative land-based carbon offset scheme. But at other times, and for many reasons, Australia has erratically altered course: disbanding the climate change government agency, creating a new one then disbanding that; refusing to ratify global treaties until the dying minute; and being the first nation in the world to undo legislated action on climate change, with the repeal of the Carbon Price Mechanism.

The climate policies of the two major Australian political parties (the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia) have varied considerably over the years. These policies have included some strong and tangible actions as well as what appear to be mere political statements. Since 2007 Australia’s response to climate change has featured prominently in federal elections with close scrutiny given to party policies. It has been suggested that two federal political leaders have lost their position in part because of their policies on climate change (Malcolm Turnbull as Leader of the Opposition in 2009 and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2010).[1]

The inconsistent nature of Australian climate policy cannot be fully explained by looking at which political party was in government at the time. Both Labor and Liberal Governments have advanced (and sometimes regressed) on climate change. For example, in 1990 Labor was in government. It resisted adopting an emissions reduction target canvassed by its own Minister for Environment, only doing so with a ‘no regrets’ proviso, which rendered the target ineffectual.[2] Yet a Labor Government was also responsible for Australia’s 2020 emissions reduction targets.[3]

Likewise, a Liberal Government insisted in 1997 that adopting targets would have a ‘devastating impact’ on jobs and industry.[4] Yet a Liberal Government elected to keep Australia’s 2020 targets when they came to power in September 2013.[5]

It was a Liberal Government that brought commendation to Australia in 1998 by creating the Australian Greenhouse Office, the world’s first government agency dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.[6] Just six years later the same government dismantled the agency and merged it into the Department of the Environment.[7] In the same way, a Labor Government reinstated a stand-alone Department of Climate Change in 2007 and then disbanded it in 2013, merging it into a larger department.[8]

A Labor Government represented Australia at the Rio ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992, brokering and immediately signing Australia onto the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).[9] A Liberal Government then continued the momentum, negotiating on Australia’s behalf, in deliberations over the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC and signing the treaty shortly after.[10] However, the same Liberal Government later refused to ratify the Protocol, claiming that doing so was counter to the nation’s interest.[11]

The newly installed Labor Government ratified the Protocol less than two months after Turnbull’s failed petition.[12] Nevertheless, the succeeding Labor Government, which helped negotiate in 2011 an agreement to continue the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012, would not initially join a second deal. It was not until a year later it did so, and Australia agreed to join a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

In December 2015 a Liberal Government announced that Australia would ratify the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. This occurred only after the Government had announced that the country would meet, and surpass, its 2020 emission reduction target.[13] At the same time, along with 195 other nations, Australia joined the Paris Agreement, a protocol designed to keep global warming “well below” 2°C, using a ratchet system of increasing emission reduction targets over time.

In real terms, however, Australia’s emissions in 2015 rose for the first time in three years.[14]

The table overleaf is a record of Australian climate change policies. Key international developments are also included to provide global context.

Milestones

Details

Source Documents

Jun 1972

Stockholm declaration acknowledges the relationship between humans and their environment:

Through the Stockholm Declaration the world acknowledges that ‘In the industrialized countries, environmental problems are generally related to industrialization and technological development.’

United National Environment Programme, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, 16 June 1962.

Whitlam Government takes Office – December 1972

Fraser Government takes Office – November 1975

Mar 1976

The Australian Academy of Science (AAS) reports that human activities are likely to contribute to warming:

However, the report concludes that ‘there is no evidence that the world is now on the brink of a major climatic change’.

AAS, Report of a committee on climatic change, report no. 1, AAS, Canberra, March 1976. [Link to internal APH network]

Feb 1979

First international conference on climate change:

At the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Climate Conference in Geneva international experts discuss, for the first time, the link between human activities and climate.

UNFCCC, ‘Meeting The First World Climate Conference, 12–23 February 1979, Geneva, Switzerland’, UNFCC archive.

Hawke-Keating Government takes office – March 1983

Jun 1988

First global emissions reduction targets (the ‘Toronto targets’):

At the Toronto conference on climate change a target of 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2005 on 1988 levels is proposed.

Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, The changing atmosphere: implications for global security: conference statement, 27–30 June 1988.

Nov 1988

First meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

The IPCC is an international working group of experts tasked with reviewing and synthesising peer-reviewed research publications on climate change.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Report of the first session of the WMO/UNEP IPCC, 9–11 November 1988.

1989

First Australian greenhouse gas emissions reduction proposal submitted to Cabinet:

Senator Graham Richardson (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories) submits to Cabinet a proposal for a 20% reduction in 1988 Australian greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2005.

V Burgmann and HA Baer, Climate politics and the climate movement in Australia, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Vic., 2012, p. 61.

Jun-Aug 1990

IPCC releases its First Assessment Report (FAR):

The IPCC FAR notes with certainty that:

•        a natural greenhouse effect warms the Earth

•        human activities contribute to atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Several predictions are made about the effect of an enhanced greenhouse effect on the climate.

J Houghton, GJ Jenkins and JJ Ephraums (eds.), Climate change: the IPCC scientific assessment (First report), IPCC, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1990.

Oct 1990

Australian Government adopts the ‘Toronto targets’ with provisos:

Senator Richardson’s 20% target, which had originally been rejected, is accepted and announced on 11 October 1990 as an ‘Interim Planning Target’ with the proviso that the reduction would not be at the expense of the economy (the ‘no regrets’ strategy).

The Council of Australia Governments (COAG) endorses the target.

The Senate Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology is tasked with investigating the costs and benefits of meeting the target.

R Kelly (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories) and J Kerin (Minister for Primary Industry and Energy), Government sets targets for reductions in greenhouse gases, joint statement, 11 October 1990.

COAG, InterGovernmental Agreement on the Environment, February 1992.

Senate Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Rescue the future: reducing the impact of the greenhouse effect, The Senate, Canberra, January 1991.

Dec 1990

First global treaty on climate change established (UNFCCC):

Prompted by the IPCC FAR, negotiations begin for a global treaty responding to climate change. This treaty later becomes known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

UNFCCC, ‘Issues in the negotiating process: a brief history of the climate change process’, UNFCCC Conference of the Parties 7 website.

Keating Government takes office – 20 December 1991

9 May 1992

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the UNFCCC:

After 15 months of negotiations the treaty is open for signatures in June 1992.

UNFCCC, ‘Status of Ratification of the Convention’, UNFCCC website, 9 May 1992.

4 Jun 1992

Australia signs the UNFCCC at the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Ros Kelly, MP (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories), signs the UNFCCC on behalf of Australia at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (or UNCED, informally known as the “Rio Earth Summit”). The UNFCCC aims to stabilise atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations in time to protect ecosystems, food security and economic development from the threat of climate change. By signing the treaty Australia indicates its acceptance of the principles of the Convention.

R Kelly (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories), Australia signs UNCED climate change convention, media release, 4 June 1992.

Dec 1992

The National Greenhouse Response Strategy (NGRS) released:

The NGRS is endorsed by the Commonwealth, state and territory Governments at a COAG meeting. The NGRS is a mechanism to audit and facilitate national approaches to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that Australia can meet its commitments to the UNFCCC. The strategy relies on action with no negative impacts on the national economy or on Australia’s trade competitiveness (‘no regrets’ strategy). The strategy includes the formation of the National Greenhouse Advisory Panel.

Australian Government, National Greenhouse Response Strategy, Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS), Canberra, December 1992.

Council of Australian Governments (COAG), Communique, ‘Environment – ESD and greenhouse’, COAG Meeting, Perth, 7 December 1992, COAG website.

30 Dec 1992

Australia ratifies UNFCCC:

Australia is the ninth country to ratify the UNFCCC.

UNFCCC, ‘Status of ratification of the Convention’, UNFCCC website.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ‘Treaty making process’, DFAT website.

21 Mar 1994

UNFCCC comes into force:

A minimum of 50 ratifications is reached in December 1993. This allows the UNFCCC to come into force ninety days later.

UNFCCC, ‘Status of ratification of the Convention’, UN website.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, opened for signature 9 May 1992, ATS [1994] No. 2 (entered into force 21 March 1994).

19 Sep 1994

Australia meets its first commitment to the UNFCCC:

In preparation for the first Conference of Parties (COP) in 1995, Australia lodges its first national communication to the UNFCCC. This document outlines how Australia is to meet its obligations to the UNFCCC and includes the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which tracks Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Climate change: Australia’s national report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, September 1994.

Department of the Environment, National greenhouse gas inventory – Kyoto Protocol classifications, Australian Greenhouse Emissions Information System website.

UNFCCC, Report on the in-depth review of the national communication of Australia, FCCC/IDR.1/AUS, 14 December 1995.

29 Mar 1995

Government introduces Greenhouse 21C plan:

The ‘Greenhouse 21C plan’ supplements the NGRS with a number of additional measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions. One of these is the Greenhouse Challenge program, a voluntary scheme for major companies and industry sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Department of Primary Industries and Energy, ‘Greenhouse Challenge’ webpage.

J Faulkner (Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories), Press conference for the release of Greenhouse 21C, speech, 29 March 1995.

Mar/Apr 1995

First UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP1) held in Berlin, Germany:

COP1 agrees to the Berlin Mandate, a process for strengthening developed nations’ greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments via the adoption of a protocol or other legal instrument.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its first session, held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April 1995, Addendum, Part 2: Action taken by the Conference of the Parties at its first session, FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1, 6 June 1995.

UNFCCC, Report on the Conference of the Parties on its first session, held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April 1995, FCCC/CP/1995/7, 24 May 1995.

Dec 1995

IPCC releases its second assessment report (SAR):

The IPCC SAR states that “there is a discernible human influence on global climate”.

IPCC, IPCC second assessment: climate change 1995, 1996.

Howard Government takes office – March 1996

Jul 1996

Second UNFCCC COP held in Geneva, Switzerland:

COP2 develops the Geneva Ministerial Declaration. The Declaration recognises the importance of the IPCC’s SAR and urges member countries to develop legally-binding emissions targets.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its second session, held at Geneva from 8 to 19 July 1996, FCCC/CP/1996/15, 29 October 1996.

18 Jul 1996

Australia announces involvement in Pilot Phase of UNFCCC’s ‘Activities Implemented Jointly’:

Senator Hill (Minister for the Environment) announces that Australia will be part of the UNFCCC’s trial project known as ‘Activities Implemented Jointly’. It involves countries undertaking emissions reduction projects in other countries. The Senator explains that, for Australia, ‘in the long term we would be seeking credit from the international community for our efforts’.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), New Australian move on greenhouse [emissions], media release, 18 July 1996.

Late 1996

The National Greenhouse Advisory Panel releases the results of a major review of the NGRS:

The report indicates that the “NGRS had little if any effect in achieving the necessary policy coordination and integration within and between jurisdictions; with few exceptions, greenhouse issues have not been considered”.

National Greenhouse Advisory Panel (NGAP), Report on the national greenhouse response strategy, Environment Australia, Environment Protection Group, for the NGAP, AGPS, Canberra, 1996.

28 Feb 1997

Public submissions sought to guide Australia’s response to climate change:

Senator Robert Hill (Minister for the Environment) announces the release of a discussion paper by the Intergovernmental Committee on Ecologically Sustainable Development entitled ‘Future directions for Australia’s National Greenhouse Strategy’. Submissions are sought to guide the principles and measures that would feature in the National Greenhouse Strategy 1998.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Greenhouse: developing a new strategy, media release, 28 February 1997.

Intergovernmental Committee on Ecologically Sustainable Development, Future directions for Australia’s National Greenhouse Strategy, Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra, 1997.

26 Sep 1997

Government says that adoption of emissions reduction targets would be devastating for Australia:

Senator Hill claims that Australia will share the global burden of reducing greenhouse gas emissions but that ‘The adoption of a uniform reduction target at the upcoming Kyoto conference would have a devastating impact on Australian industry and its ability to create jobs’.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Greenhouse gas figures reveal uniform target danger, media release, 26 September 1997.

15 Nov 1997

Australia lodges its second national communication to the UNFCCC:

Australia outlines how it intends to progress its international obligations. The strategies include establishing a statutory greenhouse body (the future Australian Greenhouse Office) and investment in renewable energy, energy reform, revegetation, and energy efficiency standards and labelling.

Department of the Environment, Climate change. Australia’s second national report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, November 1997.

UNFCCC, Report on the in-depth review of the second national communication of Australia, FCCC/IDR.2/AUS, 18 October 1999.

20 Nov 1997

Prime Minister Howard introduces the ‘Prime Minister’s package’:

Funding is provided for strategies outlined in Australia’s second national communication to the UNFCCC. A target of an additional 2% of electricity to be sourced from renewable sources by 2010 is made.

J Howard, ‘Safeguarding the future: Australia’s response to climate change’, House of Representatives, ministerial statement, Debates, 20 November 1997.

Dec 1997

Third UNFCCC COP held in Kyoto, Japan – Kyoto Protocol adopted:

The Kyoto Protocol is adopted after two years of negotiations. Australia secures a controversial concession to include land-use change and forestry as part of the net emissions in the 1990 baseline (later known as the ‘Australia clause’). To come into effect the Protocol must be ratified by:

·         at least 55 Parties to the Convention and

·         countries responsible for a combined total of 55% of carbon dioxide emissions (at 1990 levels) from developed countries.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its third session, held at Kyoto, from 1 to 11 December 1997, FCCC/CP/1997/7, 24 March 1998.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Kyoto agreement a win for the environment, media release, 11 December 1997.

Apr 1998

The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) is established:

Australia is the first country to establish a government agency dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions The AGO is responsible for managing the ‘Prime Minister’s package’.

J Howard, ‘Safeguarding the future: Australia’s response to climate change’, ministerial statement, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 November 1997, p. 10921.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Hill announces new Greenhouse chief [Gwen Andrews], media release, 4 March 1998.

29 Apr 1998

Australia signs the Kyoto Protocol:

Australia signs the Kyoto Protocol, along with 20 other countries. However, Australia does not ratify the Kyoto protocol and therefore the targets are not legally binding.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Hill signs historic agreement to fight global warming, media release, 29 April, 1998.

Nov 1998

Fourth UNFCCC COP held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Buenos Aires Plan of Action is developed to strengthen the financial and technological side of emissions trading to help bring the Kyoto Protocol into force.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its fourth session, held at Buenos Aires from 2 to 14 November 1998, FCCC/CP/1998/16, 20 January 1999.

Nov 1998

NGRS is replaced by the National Greenhouse Strategy (NGS):

The AGO launches the NGS, which extends and supersedes the NGRS.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment), Launch of national greenhouse strategy, speech, 26 November 1998.

The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO), ‘Greenhouse Policy’, AGO website.

Mar 1999

The AGO releases the first of four discussion papers on emissions trading:

The first discussion paper, ‘Establishing the Boundaries’ of the National Emissions Trading series, details the principles and framework for how an emissions trading system (ETS) might operate.

AGO, National emissions trading: discussing the boundaries, Discussion paper 1, AGO, Canberra, 1999. [Link to internal APH network]

May 1999

‘Measures for a Better Environment’ package is announced:

New funding is announced in the 2000-01 Budget for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage the uptake of renewable energy. More than half of this funding is dedicated to the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Programme to ‘support activities that are likely to result in substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions or substantial enhancement of carbon sinks, and are consistent with ecologically sustainable development’.

Australian Government, The Commonwealth's environmental expenditure, Budget 2000-2001, 'Chapter 2: strategic directions and budget overview’, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2000, p. 12.

Jun 1999

The AGO releases second discussion paper on emissions trading:

This discussion paper discusses the allocation of permits, permit duration and how to progress towards emissions trading in Australia.

AGO, National emissions trading: issuing the permits, Discussion paper 2, AGO, Canberra, June 1999. [Link to internal APH network]

Oct 1999

The AGO releases third discussion paper on emissions trading:

This discussion paper explores the framework for a national ETS and how carbon sinks might be included.

AGO, National Emissions Trading: crediting the carbon, Discussion Paper 3, AGO, Canberra, October 1999. [Link to internal APH network]

Oct-Nov 1999

Fifth UNFCCC COP held in Bonn, Germany:

COP5 is a technical meeting. Annex I (industrialised) countries are asked to adopt the UNFCCC guidelines for reporting emissions.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its fifth session, Held at Bonn from 25 October to 5 November 1999, FCCC/CP/1999/6, 21 December 1999.

Dec 1999

The AGO releases the fourth and final discussion paper on emissions trading:

This discussion paper covers the design of carbon permits, how emissions would be monitored and reported, and how the market could operate.

AGO, National emissions trading: designing the market, Discussion paper 4, AGO, Canberra, December 1999. [Link to internal APH network]

7 Nov 2000

‘The heat is on: Australia’s Greenhouse Future’ Senate Committee report released:

The report criticises the Government for a lack of commitment to climate change policy. More than 100 recommendations are made.

Senate Standing Committees on Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, The heat is on: Australia's greenhouse future, 7 November 2000.

Nov 2000

Part one of the Sixth UNFCCC COP held in The Hague, Netherlands:

Heated debate over the role of developed countries is heard. Discussions falter and the conference is suspended without agreement.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on the first part of its sixth session, held at The Hague from 13 to 25 November 2000, FCCC/CP/2000/5, 4 April 2001.

Jan-Mar 2001

IPCC releases its third assessment report (TAR):

The IPCC TAR details the growing scientific evidence that global temperatures have increased over the 20th century. Temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.4–5.8°C over the next century.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), IPCC Third Assessment Report - climate change 2001, 2003.

1 Apr 2001

Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme (MRET) starts:

The MRET commences under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. It mandates, as initially proposed in the Prime Minister’s Package, that by 2010 electricity retailers and other large electricity buyers source an additional 2% (above 2001 levels of about 8%) of their electricity from renewable or specified waste-product energy sources. Annual targets are defined.

R Hill (Minister for the Environment and Heritage), $2 billion investment boom set to cut Australia's greenhouse emissions, media release, 4 April 2001.

June 2001

Government rejects Senate Committee recommendations:

The Government response to The Heat is On: Australia’s Greenhouse Future rejects the report’s criticisms of existing Government climate change policy and programs.

Australian Government, Government response to the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee report: The heat Is on: Australia's greenhouse future, June 2001.

July 2001

Part two of COP 6 held in Bonn, Germany:

Talks resume after breaking down in 2000. The Bonn Agreements are made, which include implementing the Buenos Aires Plan of Action developed at COP4.

UNFCCC, Draft report of the Conference of the Parties on the second part of its sixth session, held at Bonn from 16 to .. July 2001, FCCC/CP/2001/L.1, 26 July 2001.

Oct/ Nov 2001

Seventh UNFCCC COP held in Marrakesh, Morocco:

Marrakesh Accords are developed, detailing how to meet the Kyoto Protocol targets. The Marrakesh Ministerial Declaration is also announced, to be used at the upcoming Earth Summit in Johannesburg.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its seventh session, held at Marrakesh from 29 October to 10 November 2001. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2001/13, 21 January 2002.

May 2002

European Union (EU) and Japan ratify the Kyoto Protocol:

55 Parties of the Convention have now signed the Protocol. This is one of the conditions to bring the Protocol into force.

Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi urges Prime Minister Howard to sign the Protocol.

Kelvin Thomson (Shadow Minister for Environment and Heritage), Japan ratifies Kyoto Protocol while Howard hedges, media release, 5 June 2002.

5 Jun 2002

Australia refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol:

The Howard Government outlines to the Australian Parliament that ratifying the Kyoto Protocol is not in the nation’s interest.

J Howard, ‘Answer to Question without notice: Environment: Kyoto Protocol’, [Questioner: K Thomson], House of Representatives, Debates, 5 June 2002, p. 3163.

Jun 2002

‘Independent review of the AGO’ released:

The report suggests the AGO’s status as an Executive Agency be revoked. It also recommends a review of the NGS.

WL Smith, Independent review of the Australian Greenhouse Office, June, 2002.

Aug 2002

New climate change strategy announced:

David Kemp and Alexander Downer announce the ‘Global greenhouse challenge: the way ahead for Australia’. The Challenge is a four-pronged policy response designed to meet Australia’s Kyoto target and anticipate adaptation needs. However, the Government still claims the target “does not… provide an effective framework”.

D Kemp (Minister for the Environment and Heritage) and A Downer (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Global greenhouse challenge: the way ahead for Australia, media release, 15 August 2002.

Aug/ Sep 2002

The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (Earth Summit 2002/Rio +10):

The Johannesburg Declaration is made, urging sustainable development globally. However, this document has only one reference to climate change.

United Nations, Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, 26 August–4 September, 2002.

Oct/ Nov 2002

Eighth UNFCCC COP held in New Delhi, India:

COP8 produces the Delhi Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, which reinforces the need for sustainable development.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its eighth session, held at New Delhi from 23 October to 1 November 2002. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2002/7, 28 March 2003.

1 Jan 2003

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme implemented by the NSW Government:

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS) is the world’s first mandatory emission trading scheme. The GGAS employs a baseline and credit system (rather than a cap-and-trade system).

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS), Introduction to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS), GGAS website, 30 June 2011.

Jul 2003

New strategy for emissions trading proposed:

Reports surface that an ETS plan is presented to Cabinet by federal Treasury, Industry and Environment departments, backed by at least six government portfolios. Following a meeting with industry, the ETS plan is set aside by Prime Minister, John Howard.

L Minchin, ‘Howard blows hot and cold on emissions’, The Age, 15 November 2006, p. 4.

M Bachelard, ‘PM cans carbon trading scheme’, Weekend Australian, 30 August 2008, p. 4.

Dec 2003

Ninth UNFCCC COP held in Milan, Italy:

COP9 establishes a fund to help developing countries adapt to climate change.

FCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its ninth session, held at Milan from 1 to 12 December 2003. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2003/6, 30 March 2004.

Jun 2004

Securing Australia’s Energy Future White paper released:

The paper proposes renewable energy initiatives, including an overhaul of the fuel excise program and funding for research and development. It reaffirms that ratifying the Kyoto Protocol is not in the national interest, but that Australia is on track to meet its target anyway.

Australian Government, Securing Australia’s Energy Future, Canberra, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2004.

Oct 2004

Announcement that the AGO will become part of the Department of Environment and Heritage:

This change is promoted as a cost-saving measure.

Australian Government, Part 2: Expense measures: Environment and Heritage, Budget measures: budget paper no. 2: 2005-06.

Nov 2004

Russia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol:

Developed countries with a combined total of 55% of global carbon dioxide emissions (at 1990 levels) have now approved the Protocol. All conditions for the Kyoto Protocol to come into force have been met.

Australia still refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, stating that it is flawed.

UN Secretary-General, UN Secretary-General receives Russia’s Kyoto Protocol ratification, media release, 18 November 2004.

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, opened for signature 11 December 1997, [2008] ATS 2, (entered into force for Australia 11 March 2008).

Dec 2004

Tenth UNFCCC COP held in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

The Buenos Aires Plan of Action is adopted and discussions of post-Kyoto (post-2012) targets begin.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its tenth session, held at Buenos Aires from 6 to 18 December 2004. Part one: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2004/10, 18 April 2005.

16 Feb 2005

Kyoto Protocol comes into force:

Ninety days after both conditions are met the Kyoto Protocol’s 2012 targets become enforceable.

UNFCCC, Status of Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, UNFCCC website.

9 Aug 2005

The International Energy Agency (IEA) urges Australia to consider an ETS:

The IEA releases Energy policies of IEA countries - Australia 2005 review, which notes that Australia’s emission intensity is one of the highest in the world. It urges Australia to consider an ETS.

International Energy Agency (IEA), Energy policies of IEA countries - Australia 2005 review, 2005, IEA website.

Nov/ Dec 2005

Eleventh UNFCCC COP held in Montreal, Canada:

More than 10,000 delegates discuss climate action after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its eleventh session, held at Montreal from 28 November to 10 December 2005. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2005/5, 30 March 2006.

Nov 2006

Twelfth UNFCCC COP held in Nairobi, Kenya:

Compliance rules for the Kyoto Protocol are determined. An Adaptation Fund is created to help developing countries adapt to climate change.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its twelfth session, held at Nairobi from 6 to 17 November 2006. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2006/5, 25 January 2007.

10 Dec 2006

Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading is established:

Prime Minister John Howard announces the creation of a task group to provide advice on designing an ETS for Australia.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Prime Ministerial Task Group On Emissions Trading, media release, 10 December 2006.

Feb-May 2007

IPCC releases its fourth assessment report (AR4):

The IPCC AR4 affirms with 90% certainty that increases in global temperatures since the mid-20th century are driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gasses.

RK Pachauri and A Reisinger (eds.), Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007.

31 May 2007

‘Shergold Report’ released:

The Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading releases the ‘Shergold Report’ which recommends Australia develop an emissions trading scheme.

Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading, Report of the Task Group on Emissions Trading, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Canberra, 31 May 2007.

28 Sep 2007

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007 receives royal assent:

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007 requires industry to report its greenhouse gas emissions, abatement actions, energy consumption and production.

Parliament of Australia, ‘National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

21 Oct 2007

Prime Minister John Howard promises an ETS if re-elected:

The Government promises to establish a national ETS, starting no later than 2012. The Climate Change Fund is announced as an election promise. Through this fund revenue from emissions trading is to be reinvested into climate change initiatives.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Transcript of the Prime Minister the Hon John Howard MP address to the Liberal Party Federal Council, the Westin Hotel, Sydney, transcript, 21 October 2007.

27 Oct 2007

Cabinet rejects proposal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol:

Reports emerge that Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, urges Cabinet to ratify the Kyoto Protocol but is unsuccessful.

L Taylor, ‘Cabinet blocks Turnbull on Kyoto’, Australian Financial Review, 27 October 2007, p. 3.

13 Nov 2007

National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility announced:

A new facility will be created to research the impacts and mitigation of climate change on Australian industry and communities.

M Turnbull (Minister for the Environment and Water Resources), New world-first research facility to equip Australia for a changing climate, media release, 13 November 2007.

Rudd Government takes Office - November 2007

Dec 2007

Thirteenth UNFCCC COP held in Bali, Indonesia – Bali Action Plan adopted:

The Bali Action Plan is adopted. This is a workplan to guide the implementing of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol over the 2008–2012 period. It emphasises the importance of a shared vision, climate change mitigation, adaption, technology development and transfer and financial assistance to poorer nations.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its thirteenth session, held in Bali from 3 to 15 December 2007. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2007/6, 14 March 2008

3 Dec 2007

The Department of Climate Change and Water is established:

The Department of Climate Change is established within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio.

DIICCSRTE, ‘Corporate’, DIICCSRTE website.

12 Dec 2007

Australia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol:

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, as promised during the 2007 election campaign.

K Rudd (Prime Minister), Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, media release, 3 December 2007.

Feb 2008

Garnaut Review interim report released:

Ross Garnaut, Professor of Economics at the Australian National University was commissioned by Australia's Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to undertake an independent review of the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy. The interim report for the Garnaut Climate Change Review submits that Australia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It also proposes that Australia should establish effective climate policies, the centrepiece of which should be an ETS.

Garnaut Review, Garnaut climate change review: interim report to the Commonwealth, state and territory governments of Australia, February 2008.

11 Mar 2008

Australia’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol comes into effect:

The Government issues the Initial Report under the Kyoto Protocol detailing how Australia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

P Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), Australia is now a part of the Kyoto Protocol, media release, 11 March 2008.

16 Jul 2008

Green paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) released:

The green paper outlines how the Government will implement its proposed ETS.

Australian Government, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Green paper, July 2008.

31 Jul 2008

‘Strategic Review of Australian Government Climate Change Programs’ released:

The Wilkins Review analyses current climate change programs to determine whether they are complementary to the CPRS.

R Wilkins, Strategic review of Australian government climate change programs, commissioned by the Australian Government, 31 July 2008.

30 Sep 2008

Final 2008 Garnaut climate change report released:

The Garnaut Review provides a detailed analysis of the impacts of climate change on Australia and the costs of adaptation and mitigation.

Garnaut Review, The Garnaut climate change review, commissioned by the Australian Government, 30 September 2008.

30 Oct 2008

Australia's Low Pollution Future: The Economics of Climate Change Mitigation released:

Treasury modelling establishes that there are benefits to Australia acting early if other countries also adopt carbon pricing but that delaying action may lead to higher long-term costs.

Australian Government, Australia’s low pollution future: the economics of climate change mitigation, 30 October 2008.

Dec 2008

Fourteenth UNFCCC COP held in Poznan, Poland

An Adaptation Fund is launched to help developing countries meet the Bali Action Plan. Negotiations on a post-Kyoto plan continue.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its fourteenth session, held in Poznan from 1 to 12 December 2008. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2008/7, 14 March 2008.

15 Dec 2008

‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Australia’s Low Pollution Future’ released:

The White paper outlines the final design of an Australian ETS. It also outlines new 2020 emissions reduction targets:

·         5% below 2000 levels without any conditions, but

·         15% below 2000 levels if there is a ‘global agreement where all major economies commit to substantially restrain emissions and all developed countries take on comparable reductions to that of Australia.’

Australian Government, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Australia’s low pollution future, White paper, 15 December 2008.

May 2009

2009–10 Budget includes major changes to climate change policies:

·         A new target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2020 on 2000 levels if ‘the world agrees to an ambitious global deal to stabilise levels of CO2 equivalent at 450 parts per million or lower by mid-century’.

·         The CPRS will be delayed by one year to 2011–12 when it will begin with a 12-month $10 fixed price.

·         The establishment of an Australian Carbon Trust to help household improve energy efficiency

·         The launch of a Clean Energy Initiative to support the development of low carbon energy.

K Rudd (Prime Minister), A new target for reducing Australia’s carbon pollution and New measures for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, media releases, 4 May 2009.

M Ferguson (Minister for Resources and Energy), $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative, media release, 12 May 2009.

12 May 2009

Government responds to the Wilkins Review:

The Government agrees to close 13 programs that were deemed not complementary to an ETS.

L Tanner (Minister for Finance and Deregulation), Streamlining the Australian government’s climate change programs and making energy efficient choices even easier, media release, 12 May 2009.

14 May 2009

First Australian ETS legislation introduced into Parliament:

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 is introduced into the House of Representatives.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

9 Aug 2009

Australian 2020 emissions projections released:

The Department of Climate Change publishes Tracking to Kyoto and 2020. It shows that Australia is on its way to meeting its Kyoto Protocol target.

P Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), New report shows carbon pollution continues to rise without action, media release, 9 August 2009.

13 Aug 2009

CPRS legislation rejected by the Senate

The second reading of the entire suite of bills is voted down by the Senate, 42 to 30.

J Hogg, Second Reading, Division: Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009, Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges-Customs) Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges-Excise) Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges-General) Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Bill 2009. Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009, Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009, Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Amendment (Household Assistance) Bill 2009, Senate, Debates, 13 August 2009.

7 Sept 2009

Renewable energy target increased to 20%:

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009 received royal assent. It amends existing legislation, replacing the MRET with the Renewable Energy Target (RET). The RET has a more ambitious renewable energy target of 20% (45,000 GWh) by 2020. The Solar Credits scheme is also introduced it provides multiple credits for the installation of household rooftop solar.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009’, Australian Parliament website.

22 Oct 2009

Australian ETS legislation introduced a second time:

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 is re-introduced into the House of Representatives.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2] homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

1 Dec 2009

Change of Opposition leadership voids ETS deal:

Malcolm Turnbull is defeated by Tony Abbott in a Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill. Media reports suggest that Turnbull had reached a deal with the government on CPRS amendments to secure Senate support from the Liberal Party. The change of leadership rescinds any such negotiations and agreements.

S Stone, Sharman Stone welcomes new leader, media release, 1 December 2009.

M Cormann, Resignation from the Shadow Ministry over ETS media release, 1 December 2009.

L Knight, The ETS deal’s done, The Land, 26 November 2009, p. 5.

2 Dec 2009

CPRS legislation again rejected by the Senate:

This creates a trigger for a double dissolution election. The trigger is not used.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2] homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

Dec 2009

Fifteenth UNFCCC COP held in Copenhagen, Denmark:

Despite continued discussion no agreement on binding post-Kyoto commitments can be reached. The resulting Copenhagen Accord, which calls for countries to populate a list of national 2020 emissions reduction targets, is noted by the COP but is not officially accepted or legally-binding.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its fifteenth session, held in Copenhagen from 7 to 19 December 2009. Part one: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2009/11, 30 March 2010.

2 Feb 2010

Australian ETS legislation introduced a third time:

According to the Second Reading speech, this version of the CPRS bill includes amendments agreed to by the Coalition.

Australian Parliament, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010’, Australian Parliament website.

2 Feb 2010

Coalition opposition party releases its climate policy:

The Direct Action Policy aims to meet the 5% emissions reduction target by offering incentives for households and industry to do so. The centrepiece of the policy is an Emissions Reduction Fund designed to reward businesses that emit below a baseline and penalise those that exceed it.

T Abbott, Direct action on the environment and climate change, media release, 2 February 2010.

Feb 2010

‘Adapting to Climate Change in Australia – An Australian Government Position Paper’ released:

This Position paper sets out the Government’s role in and strategies for adapting to climate change.

Australian Government, Adapting to climate change in Australia: an Australian Government Position Paper, DCC, 19 February 2010.

8 Mar 2010

Department of Climate Change becomes Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency:

Through a machinery of government change on 8 March 2010 the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is established as a separate portfolio agency. Programs from the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts are transferred across.

DIICCSRTE, ‘Corporate’, DIICCSRTE webpage.

27 Apr 2010

CPRS delayed until the end of 2012:

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announces that the CPRS will be delayed until the end of the Kyoto commitment period at the end of 2012.

K Rudd (Prime Minister), Transcript of doorstop interview: Nepean Hospital, Penrith: health and hospital reform; Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; Home Insulation Program, media release, 27 April 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard becomes Prime Minister after internal party challenge – 24 June 2010

1 Sep 2010

The Australian Labor Party agrees to a politically inclusive committee on climate change:

In order to form a minority government after the 2010 election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard signs agreements with the Australian Greens and three independent Members. The Labor-Greens agreement stipulates that the Government must establish a committee of ‘parliamentarians who are committed to tackling climate change and who acknowledge that reducing carbon pollution by 2020 will require a carbon price’.

‘The Australian Greens & The Australian Labor Party (ʹThe Partiesʹ) – Agreement’, 1 September 2010.

27 Sep 2010

Multi-Party Climate Change Committee (MPCCC) created:

As required by the Labor-Greens agreement, the MPCCC is formed.

J Gillard (Prime Minister), Prime Minister establishes Climate Change Committee [and] Terms of Reference, media release, 27 September 2010.

28 Sep 2010

Third CPRS legislation lapses:

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010 lapses, seven months after it was introduced, due to the start of a new parliament.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010’, Australian Parliament website.

Nov/ Dec 2010

Sixteenth UNFCCC COP held in Cancun, Mexico :

The COP produces the Cancun Agreements, which reinforces the main points of the Copenhagen Accord. The six building blocks of the agreements are mitigation, transparency, finance, technology, forestry and adaptation. A decision is made to establish a Green Climate Fund to finance climate action in developing countries.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its sixteenth session, held in Cancun from 29 November to 10 December 2010. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2010/7, 15 March 2011.

1 Jan 2011

The RET scheme is split into two parts:

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2010 comes into force. It separates the RET scheme into the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2010 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

10 Feb 2011

Government launches Climate Commission:

This independent commission is designed to provide expert advice and information on climate change to the Australian public.

G Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), Launch of the Climate Commission, media release, 10 February 2011.

31 May 2011

Update of Garnaut Review released:

The government releases its commissioned report ‘The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia in the global response to climate change’.

Department of Climate Change, Final report: our fair share of climate action much more expensive without carbon pricing, media release, 31 May 2011.

24 Mar 2011

Legislation is introduced for a carbon offset to create incentives for carbon avoidance projects in the land sector:

The Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011 creates the Carbon Farming Initiative which is the first scheme of its kind globally.

A Talberg, J Gardiner-Garden, J Tomaras, Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011, Bills digest, 5, 2011–12, 1 July 2011, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2011.

9 Jun 2011

Productivity Commission report concludes that Australia’s implicit cost of abatement is not high:

The report related the difficulties in the exercise of measuring and comparing implicit country abatement costs in relation to electricity generation. However, the findings suggest that market-based approaches are the most cost-effective.

Productivity Commission (PC), Carbon emission reduction policies in key economies, May 2011, PC website.

10 Jul 2011

Framework for a new ETS released:

Government releases ‘Securing a clean energy future: the Australian Government’s climate change plan’. It outlines the Government’s plan to cut 159 million tonnes a year of greenhouse gases by 2020. The plan includes putting a price on carbon, investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and creating opportunities in the land sector.

J Gillard (Prime Minister), Securing a clean energy future for Australia, media release, 10 July 2011.

8 Nov 2011

ETS legislation is passed by Parliament:

The Clean Energy Act 2011 is a package of 18 Bills that provides the framework for an ETS starting with a three-year fixed-price phase.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Clean Energy Bill 2011 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

Dec 2011

Discussion paper on implementing carbon price floor released:

This discussion paper seeks feedback for options to keep the carbon price above a set minimum. This is to provide investment certainty.

Australian Government, Price floor for Australia’s carbon pricing mechanism: Implementing a surrender charge for international units, December 2011.

Nov/Dec 2011

Seventeenth UNFCCC COP held in Durban, South Africa:

The Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action is formed. It is a UNFCCC working group to negotiate a universal binding climate agreement for post-2020. A second phase to the Kyoto Protocol is agreed upon.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its seventeenth session, held in Durban from 28 November to 11 December 2011. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2011/9, 15 March 2012.

15 Sep 2011

The Carbon Farming Initiative comes into force

The Act allows for allows farmers and land managers to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the land.

Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.

20-22 Jun 2012

United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20):

The third international Conference on Sustainable Development develops the non-binding document ‘The Future We Want’. This document, agreed to by all 192 member states (including Australia), stresses the urgent need to take action on climate change.

United Nations (UN), Report of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20–22 June 2012, UN, 2012.

25 Jun 2012

$10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) legislated:

Legislation is passed for the CEFC, a $10 billion fund dedicated to investing in clean energy.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.

1 Jul 2012

Price on carbon comes into effect:

An unlimited number of carbon units become available for purchase at a fixed price of $23. Part of the profit from the carbon price will be used to compensate householders as a ‘low income tax offset’.

G Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), Transcript of interview with Fran Kelly: ABC Radio National Breakfast: 2 July 2012: carbon pricing, transcript, 2 July 2012.

1 Jul 2012

Climate Change Authority and Australian Renewable Energy Agency formed:

The Government establishes an independent advisory body on climate change, as well as an agency for funding development of renewable energy technology in Australia.

J Gillard (Prime Minister), Australia’s clean energy future, media release, 1 July 2012.

28 Aug 2012

Australia and the EU agree to link ETSs:

Australia will link its ETS with the EU’s ETS, sharing a portion of permits. Initially the link is unilateral allowing the purchase of EU permits within Australia but not the inverse. The link is intended to become bilateral by mid-2018. This deal removes Australia’s carbon price floor. The deal also foreshadows Australia joining a second period under the Kyoto Protocol.

G Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), Australia and European Commission agree on pathway towards fully linking emissions trading systems, media release, 28 August 2012.

26 Nov – 8 Dec 2012

Eighteenth UNFCCC COP held in Doha, Qatar – Bali Action Plan completed and Australia signs on for a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol:

The Doha Amendment is passed, launching the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Australia agrees to join a second period of the Kyoto Protocol.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its eighteenth session, held in Doha from 26 November to 8 December 2012. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2012/8, 28 February 2013.

G Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), Australia joins Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment as world on track to 2015 climate change agreement, joint media release, 9 December 2012.

19 Dec 2012

‘Renewable energy target review’ released:

The CCA reviews the RET target recommending that the overall target remain unchanged and that reviews be undertaken only every four years.

Climate Change Authority, Release of the final report on the Renewable Energy Target Press Conference 19 December 2012, 19 December 2013.

14 March 2013

‘Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation’ report released:

The Productivity Commission (PC) report identifies policy and regulatory barriers to Australia’s ability to respond or adapt to climate change. The report provides recommendations for building adaptive capacity.

PC, Barriers to effective climate change adaptation, Inquiry report, no. 59, 19 September 2012.

Mar 2013

Government responds to PC report on adaptation:

The Government agrees to the majority of recommendations in the report.

Australian Government, Australian Government response to the Productivity Commission report: Barriers to effective climate change adaptation, March 2013.

21 Mar 2013

Government responds to CCA’s RET review:

The Government agreed to all but three of the 34 recommendations made in the CCA’s report.

DIICCSRTE, ‘Australian Government response to the Climate Change Authority’s Renewable Energy Target Review Final Report’, Climate Change Authority website.

25 Mar 2013

Department of Climate Change is disbanded:

The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is abolished. Most of its functions are moved to the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, with responsibility for energy efficiency transferred to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

DIICCSRTE, ‘Corporate’, DIICCSRTE webpage.

Labor Member Kevin Rudd becomes Prime Minister after internal party challenge – 26 June 2013

16 Jul 2013

Government announces intention to move to a full ETS in 2014:

The Government cites the high cost of living as a reason to bring forward by one year the transition from a fixed price to an ETS.

K Rudd (Prime Minister), Transcript of joint press conference: Townsville, Qld: climate change policy; visit to North Queensland; asylum seeker policy; election campaign, media release, 16 July 2013.

Jul 2013

‘How Australia’s carbon price is working: One year on’ released:

Report notes an increase in renewable energy generation and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since the start of the carbon price mechanism.

Australian Government, How Australia’s carbon price is working: One year on, July 2013.

Abbott Government takes office – September 2013

18 Sep 2013

Dismantling of four climate change programs begins and climate change functions moved into Department of Environment:

·         The government begins drafting legislation to repeal the Clean Energy Act 2011

·         The government abolishes the Climate Commission

·         Treasurer orders the CEFC to cease investments

·         Environment Minister announces plans to abolish the CCA

·         A new Department of the Environment deals with matters that include renewable energy target policy, regulation and co-ordination; greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting; climate change adaptation strategy and co-ordination; co-ordination of climate change science activities; renewable energy; greenhouse gas abatement programmes; and community and household climate action.

S Maher and D Crowe, ‘Abbott takes charge, axes mandarins’, The Australian, 19 September 2013, p. 1.

‘Hunt gives orders to close the Climate Change Authority’, Australian Financial Review, (online edition), 19 September 2013, subscriber access only.

T Arup, ‘Abbott shuts down Climate Commission’, Sydney Morning Herald (online edition), 19 September 2013.

Administrative Arrangements Order, Commonwealth of Australia, 18 September 2013.

September 2013-Nov 2014

IPCC progressively releases its fifth assessment report (AR5) over the next year:

The AR5 included clearer definitions of the risk of climate change affecting agriculture, human health, national security and the environment as well as increased evidence supporting human-induced climate change.

R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.), Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 151 pp.

Oct 2013

Climate Council replaces Climate Commission:

Funded by $900,000 in private donations, the Climate Council is launched to continue the work of the disbanded Climate Commission.

B Schneiders, ‘Climate Council campaign pulls in nearly $1m’, Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 2013, p. 11.

11 Nov – 22 Nov

Nineteenth UNFCCC COP held in Warsaw, Poland:

The timeline for 2015 agreement on post-2020 emission reduction target is discussed, with a goal of state parties finalising their 2030 carbon reduction goals by first quarter 2015.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its nineteenth session, held in Warsaw from 11 to 23 November 2013. Part one: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2013/10, 31 January 2014.

13 Nov 2013

Government introduces legislation to repeal ETS, CCA and CEFC:

The Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 is one of a package of 11 Bills repealing the ETS and some related bodies and instruments.

K Loynes, Carbon Price Repeal Bills: quick guide, Quick Guide, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 20 November 2013.

20 Dec 2013

Government releases Emissions Reduction Fund Green Paper:

The Green Paper describes the design of the Emission Reduction Fund, focusing on low-cost emission reductions and streamlined administration.

Department of the Environment, Emissions Reduction Fund Green Paper, Green paper, 2013.

27 Feb 2014

Targets and Progress Review—Final Report released:

The Climate Change Authority reviews Australia’s progress and recommends a minimum reduction of 15% in greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 levels by 2020.

Climate Change Authority, Reducing Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Targets and Progress Review—Final Report, 27 February 2014.

3 Mar 2014

Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013 is voted down:

The Senate votes against abolishing the CCA for a third time. This Bill will no longer proceed.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013’, Australian Parliament website.

20 Mar 2014

The remaining nine ‘carbon tax repeal’ bills are voted down:

The Senate votes against reading these bills a third time. All ‘carbon tax repeal’ bills are no longer proceeding.

L Cox, ‘ALP, Green senators combine to block repeal of carbon tax’, The Age, 21 March 2014.

24 Apr 2014

Emissions Reduction Fund White Paper released:

The ERF White Paper sets out the final design of the ERF, with a reduced emissions target of 421 million tonnes of CO2-e over the period to 2020, compared to 431 in the Green Paper.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Emissions Reduction Fund White Paper released, media release, 24 April 2014.

23 May 2014

Review of Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 starts:

The review aims to identify areas where the legislation can be streamlined or compliance costs reduced, as well as opportunities to reduce emissions. The report is yet to be released.

Department of the Environment, ‘Ozone Acts Review’, Department of Environment website.

18 Jun 2014

The Government introduces the first Direct Action legislation:

The Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 establishes the Emissions Reduction Fund, the keystone of the Direct Action Plan.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014’, Australian Parliament website.

23 Jun 2014

‘Carbon tax repeal’ bills re-introduced to parliament:

The Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2] and related bills are introduced for the second time.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]’, Australian Parliament website.

9 Jul 2014

Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 [No. 2] voted down:

The Senate votes against the legislation to maintain the low-income tax offset after the abolition of the Carbon Price Mechanism.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 [No. 2]’, Australian Parliament website.

10 Jul 2014

‘Carbon tax repeal’ bills voted down a second time:

The Senate votes down all bills except the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013 [No. 2] and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2014.

M Kenny and J Massola, ‘About-turn by Palmer sends repeal bill back to House’, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 July 2014.

14 Jul 2014

‘Carbon tax repeal’ bills introduced a third time:

A package of all eight bills voted down in the Senate on the 10th of July is introduced by the House of Representatives for a third time.

Parliament of Australia, ‘Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2014’, Australian Parliament website.

17 Jul 2014

Carbon Price Mechanism repealed:

The eight ‘carbon tax repeal’ bills are passed by the Senate, coming into effect on 1 July 2014. Australia becomes the first nation to reverse action on climate change.

Department of the Environment, ‘Repealing the Carbon Tax’, Department of the Environment website.

23 Sep

Energy Green Paper released:

The Green Paper focuses on ‘reliable and affordable energy’, but is criticised for lack of action on carbon emissions or renewable energy.

I Macfarlane (Minister for Industry and Science), Energy Green Paper setting policy direction for an energy superpower, media release, 23 September 2014.

12 Nov 2014

US and China governments make joint announcement on emission reductions:

The two nations announce bilateral cooperation to adopt a binding protocol at the Paris COP meeting in 2015. US will aim cut emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025 and China pledged to peak emissions around 2030.

Office of the Press Secretary, U.S.-China Joint Announcement on Climate Change, The White House, 11 November 2014.

17 Nov 2014

Australia and China sign climate change cooperation MOU:

Under the MOU, Australia and China will cooperate to deliver practical climate change outcomes, including through energy efficiency; technology cooperation; and improved emissions data reporting.

J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Australia-China MOU on Climate Change Cooperation, media release, 17 November 2014.

24 Nov 2014

Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 passes both houses:

The first legislation of the Direct Action Plan will commence the following day.

Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Act 2014.

1 – 14 Dec 2014

Twentieth UNFCCC COP held in Lima, Peru:

Negotiations towards the 2015 agreement stall as developed and developing nations argue over who should bear the brunt of emission reduction, and over contributions to the Green Climate Fund.

UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its twentieth session, held in Lima from 1 to 14 December 2014. Part one: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2014/10, 2 February 2015.

F Green, ‘Lima climate conference: Slow movement on Planet UNFCC’, The Interpreter, 16 December 2014.

10 Dec 2014

Australia pledges $200 million to Green Climate Fund:

$200 million over four years from the foreign aid program is pledged to the UNFCCC Green Climate Fund.

T Abbott (Prime Minister) and J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Assisting the global response to climate change, media release, 10 December 2014.

10 Dec 2014

Environment Minister requests special review by the Climate Change Authority:

The review is to cover Australia’s future emission reduction targets, whether Australia should have an Emissions Trading Scheme, and what action Australia should take after the Paris meeting in 2015.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Special review by the Climate Change Authority, Commonwealth of Australia, 10 December 2014.

22 Dec 2014

Climate Change Authority releases Carbon Farming Initiative Review:

The CCA finds that the CFI achieved some real emissions reductions, but participation was lower than expected.

Climate Change Authority, Carbon Farming Initiative Review, Commonwealth of Australia, 22 December 2014.

22 Dec 2014

Second Renewable Energy Target Review released:

The CCA assessed the RET as effective and does not support scaling back the target. However, they did propose delaying the target increase due to lack of investor confidence.

Climate Change Authority, 2014 Renewable Energy Target Review, Commonwealth of Australia, 22 December 2014.

19 Jan 2015

Technical Advisory Forum on climate records formed:

The Forum will conduct an independent quality analysis of the Bureau of Meteorology’s long term temperature data sets, including how the data is adjusted and analysed.

B Baldwin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment), Members of the Technical Advisory Forum on climate records announced, media release, 19 January 2015.

28 Mar 2015

Setting Australia's post-2020 target for greenhouse gas emissions Issues Paper released:

The paper raises questions about what Australia’s post-2020 emission reduction target should be, and how that target would affect the nation.

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Setting Australia's post-2020 target for greenhouse gas emissions, Commonwealth of Australia, 28 March 2015.

8 Apr 2015

Energy White Paper released:

The White Paper promotes increasing competition and production of energy, while reducing the cost of electricity.

I Macfarlane (Minister for Industry and Science), Energy White Paper maps Australia's powerful future, media release, 8 April 2015.

8 May 2015

Renewable Energy Target released:

The RET is announced as 33,000 gigawatt hours, or 23.5%, of the estimated electricity generation for 2020.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Transcript of doorstop interview: Melbourne: 8 May 2015: Renewable Energy Target, press release, 8 May 2015.

18 Jun 2015

Technical Advisory Forum on climate records releases report:

The report found that BOM’s temperature data-set is well maintained, but suggests that BOM refine some of its statistical methods, improve public understanding of the program, and avoid using jargon when discussing uncertainty.

Technical Advisory Forum, Australian Climate Observations Reference Network–Surface Air Temperature (ACORN-SAT): Report of the Technical Advisory Forum, Commonwealth of Australia, 18 June 2015.

2 Jul 2015

Final report on Australia’s future emissions reduction targets released:

In the first of the special review reports the CCA recommends a 2025 target of 30% below 2000 levels.

Climate Change Authority, Final report on Australia’s future emissions reduction targets, Commonwealth of Australia, 2 July 2015.

11 Aug 2015

Australia’s post-2020 emission reduction target announced:

The nation will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

T Abbott (Prime Minister), J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target, media release, 11 August 2015.

21 Aug 2015

Setting Australia's post-2020 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions final report released:

The task force states that Australia’s post-2020 emission reduction target is a ‘strong and fair contribution’ to the global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Setting Australia's post-2020 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Final report of the UNFCCC Task Force, Commonwealth of Australia, 21 August 2015.

Minister Malcolm Turnbull becomes Prime Minister after internal party challenge – 14 September 2015

7 October 2015

Federal opposition announce climate change policies:

Labor commits to an Emissions Trading Scheme and 50% of Australia’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), Speech to All-Energy Council, Melbourne, media release, 7 October 2015.

8 October 2015

The Office of Climate Change of Renewables Innovation is established:

The Office brings together the Clean Energy Regulator, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, ARENA, the Climate Change Authority and the climate change and renewable energy functions of the Department of the Environment.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Government invests in maps of electricity grid to drive renewables investment, media release, media release, 8 October 2015.

28 October 2015

Government states temperature commitment:

Environment Minister announces the Government is committed to “keeping global warming to 2 degrees”.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Address to Greenhouse 2015 Conference, speech, Hobart, 28 October 2015.

6 November 2015

Australia elected to head Green Climate Fund Board:

The UNFCCC fund supports small developing island states to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and S Ciobo (Minister for International Development and the Pacific), Australia to lead Green Climate Fund Board, media release, 6 November 2015.

27 November 2015

Federal opposition releases emissions reduction target:

Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, announces a 45% emission reduction target by 2030, from 2005 levels, as a “basis for consultation”.

B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), Labor's climate change action plan: speech to the Lowy Institute, Sydney, speech, 27 November 2015.

30 November – 12 December 2015

Twenty-first UNFCCC COP held in Paris, France:

The Paris Agreement is adopted by 195 nations, the first universal, legally binding climate change agreement. The Agreement aims limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C and to reach peak carbon emissions as soon as possible.

UNFCCC, Draft report of the Conference of the Parties on its twenty-first session, FCCC/CP/2015/L.1, 8 December 2015,

2 December 2015

Australia’s National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy released:

The Strategy sets out how Australia is managing climate risks for the benefit of the community, economy and environment.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Australia releases National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, press release, 2 December 2015.

6 December 2015

Australia establishes International Partnership for Blue Carbon:

The partnership is designed to accelerate action on the use of ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, such as mangroves, sea grass beds and salt marshes.

G Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Australia establishes International Partnership for Blue Carbon, press release, 6 December 2015.

9 December 2015

Government announces target of net zero emissions by 2100:

Prime Minister and Environment Minister both announce at COP21 that Australia has a net zero emissions target by 2100.

G Jennett, Capitol Hill, ABC News 24, 9 December 2015.

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