The Acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Chris Evans, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, today released a report analysing the extent to which existing regulatory regimes support action by major infrastructure sectors in adapting to climate change.

The report, The Role of Regulation in Facilitating or Constraining Adaptation to Climate Change for Australian Infrastructure, was developed by Maddocks Solicitors for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

Senator Evans noted that coupled with action to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution, scientific advice showed there would be increased risks to infrastructure from the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

'Most of the regulations for Australian infrastructure were designed without climate change in mind,' Senator Evans said.

'This report identifies areas within broad regulatory regimes where issues may arise in the future. It makes suggestions for further analysis by governments, regulators and owners of infrastructure assets.'

The report investigates regulation of infrastructure sectors including electricity, transport and telecommunications.

It also examines the ability of planning regimes, environmental impact assessment and government procurement processes to take into account risks arising from climate change.

'It is important that regulations in Australia allow companies to adapt effectively to climate change,' Mr Dreyfus said.

'This report will be a useful resource for planners and regulators, as well as local and state government decision makers. It is another example of the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to ensuring regulatory regimes in Australia take account of climate change.'

The report will supplement work being undertaken by the Productivity Commission in its current inquiry into regulatory and policy barriers to climate change adaptation.

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