Recommendations


Navigation: Previous Page | Contents | Next Page

Recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Government, in consultation with energy interest groups and the energy industry, develop a detailed long-term strategy that includes specific CO2 emissions reduction targets for 2010, 2020 and 2030, with the ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by at least 60% by 2050 [para. 4.12].

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Government set abatement timeframes and raise the abatement targets for projects seeking funding through the Low-Emissions Technology Development Fund [para. 4.17].

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends that the Government:

  1. recognise that geosequestration is one of many options for reducing Australia's CO2 emissions; and ensure that the greater proportion of the Low Emissions Technology Fund is made available to technologies which can provide emission reductions in the short term;

  2. fund only cost and abatement effective research and development on the basis of  the principle that the polluter pays; and

  3. extend the life of the Low Emissions Technology Fund to cover the timeframe set out for emissions reductions targets, namely a reduction of at least 60% by 2050 [para. 4.26].

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that the Government provide incentives to encourage the uptake of current energy efficiencies, such as by adopting the NSW BASIX energy efficiency scheme on a national basis [para. 4.30].

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the Government continue to fund the Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP), and set targets for the installation of stand alone (RAPS) Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems and for grid-connected PV energy systems [para. 4.38].

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Government re-examine the projected costs of increasing the MRET to at least 5% by 2010, to 10% by 2020, and 50% by 2050, and if it is not prepared to do this, provide infrastructure grants for renewable energy developments [para. 4.39].

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the Government not proceed with the proposed reductions in excise on diesel and petrol in the EWP, unless the decision to impose excise on biofuels and gaseous fuels by 2012 is reversed [para. 4.44].

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that the Government develop a more comprehensive policy framework that will set stronger market incentives to invest in energy efficiencies and mandate standards for CO2 abatement with specific, quantifiable and meaningful targets [para. 4.47].

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the Government move to review its own operations in order to achieve maximum energy efficiencies and CO2 abatement prior to 2010 [para. 4.48].

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the Government introduce a carbon trading scheme, or at least provide support for the states' carbon trading scheme, and mandate maximum levels of carbon emissions for Australia, according to diminishing benchmarks towards the goal of 60% by 2050 [para. 4.51].

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends that the Government reconsider the benefits of a carbon tax as a tool to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector [para. 4.52].

Navigation: Previous Page | Contents | Next Page