Greg Combet, Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, today reminded carbon market participants and providers that this is a critical time in the climate change agenda – nationally and internationally.

In his opening address at the 2009 Carbon Market Expo on the Gold Coast today, Mr Combet said the gathering of carbon market leaders could not be better timed.

“A clear direction on climate change policy is an economic imperative, as well as an environmental one,” said Mr Combet.

“The business community in Australia is calling for investment certainty so that they can commit the necessary investment to start to move the Australian economy to a low carbon future,” Mr Combet said.

“Maintaining a strong investment climate as we transition is essential. Investment today is the driver of tomorrow’s economic growth.”

“The Government’s priority is to deliver the clarity and the certainty sought by the business community through the passage of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) in the current parliamentary sitting period.”

“It is pleasing that the Coalition has now finally come forward with proposals to amend the CPRS and we are looking forward to negotiating in good faith will all parties.”

“The Government’s goal during these negotiations will be to maintain the integrity of the CPRS as a fiscally and environmentally responsible policy response to the challenge of climate change.”

“Australia needs a scheme that reduces our carbon pollution at the lowest possible cost.”
“The passage of the CPRS legislation through Parliament in November will mean that Australia has a plan in place to meet its international commitments and has the capacity to meet those commitments in an economically responsible way.”

Mr Combet also commented on the report released last night by the House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts’s Inquiry into climate change and environmental impacts on coastal communities.

“As an island continent, Australia is highly vulnerable to sea-level rises resulting from climate change, with significant coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure anticipated. This report is a strong reminder of the significant impact climate change will have in Australia if we don’t act now to reduce Australia’s contribution to climate change.”