Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 55
Sub Outcome:	Response to climate change
Division/Agency:	International, Land & Analysis
Topic:	Greenhouse emissions reduction programmes
Hansard Page ECITA:	119
Senator Webber asked:
Could you advise me on what action the Commonwealth government, as opposed to state governments, is taking to cut greenhouse emissions so it will avoid an increase by 2020?

Answer/s:
The Australian Government has established Australia as a world leader in addressing climate change by implementing a range of leading measures to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2004 the Australian Government put in place a comprehensive Climate Change Strategy that builds on its past successes, will ensure Australia meets its Kyoto emissions target, and provides a framework for action for the longer-term.

With the measures introduced under this Strategy, the Australian Government has now committed $1.8 billion to combatting climate change.  The Strategy delivers a clearly focused and integrated group of measures covering emissions management, international engagement, climate change impacts and adaptation, strategic policy support, science and measurement. The Government’s strategy encompasses strong, practical, and broad-based actions to meet Australia’s greenhouse goals. It will deliver a lower greenhouse signature, while maintaining a strong and growing economy. 

As a result of this strategy, and the actions taken by business, the community and all levels of government, Australia is firmly on track to meet its internationally-agreed Kyoto target. In particular, the Government’s strategy provides a pathway for moving the energy sector to a low-emissions future including through:

•	The $500 million Low Emissions Technology Fund;
•	The $100 million Renewable Energy Development Initiative;
•	The $75 million Solar Cities Trial;
•	The $20 million Advanced Energy Storage Technologies Fund, and
•	The$14 million Wind Forecasting Program.

The Australian Government will continue to work with all sectors of the economy, with all state and territory governments, and with the Australian community to implement measures under the Climate Change Strategy.