Greg Combet, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, today said the Rudd Government was taking strong action to address climate change and was committed to ensure that all elements of the community were able to play a role in this challenge.

Speaking to a Per Capita event in Melbourne today, Mr Combet said that the Government was committed to combating climate change through the mitigation of our Australia’s emissions, specifically highlighting the Government’s efforts on energy efficiency.

“Energy efficiency forms a critical part of the Australian Government’s approach to tackling climate change and delivering a low carbon economy.”

“The Government has committed an unprecedented level of support to accelerate energy efficiency uptake by business and households.”

The Government’s support for energy efficiency includes:

• $4 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package;
• Support for business energy efficiency through $2.75 billion Climate Change Action Fund;
• $75.8 million to establish the Australian Carbon Trust;
• $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund;
• $100 million National Energy Efficiency Initiative;
• $240 million Clean Business Australia initiative; and
• $64.6 million for key early-start measures in the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency.

The Rudd Government is also committed to ensuring that individuals and households can play a role in meeting the challenge of climate change through the introduction of the Australian Carbon Trust.

Under the Australian Carbon Trust individuals and households can contribute to reducing Australia’s carbon pollution by buying and cancelling permits under the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

“Noting that it is now just 7 days until the Senate votes on the Government’s CPRS, it is important to recognise that the passage of the Government’s scheme will be the most effective mechanism to ensure Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy and a low pollution future for our children.”

“Australian households and business, assisted by the Government, are playing their role in combating climate change. It is now time for Mr Turnbull and the Coalition to do the same and reconsider their opposition to the Government’s CPRS.”