The Gillard Government will undertake a public information campaign to explain to Australians how its policies for tackling climate change will affect them.
 
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, said the campaign would provide information about the Government’s plan to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution including through a carbon price.

It will also showcase the great work already being undertaken by everyday Australians to achieve a clean energy future.

As part of this campaign, the Government will develop national television and print advertising.

“Climate change is a significant economic and environmental challenge that affects all Australians. The Government has a responsibility to provide the Australian community with clear information on climate change and to explain the context and objectives of its climate policy,” Mr Combet said.

For this reason, the Government is committing $12 million for a national advertising campaign. This is in addition to Government’s decision in the 2011-12 Budget to fund a community-based public engagement campaign.

Mr Combet said a final decision on proceeding with advertising would depend on the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee discussions and on an advertising campaign meeting the requirements of the Government’s Guidelines on Campaign Advertising.

The $12 million committed for this campaign compares to $118.7 million spent by the Howard Government advertising the GST policy and $121 million advertising its WorkChoices policy. In 2007, the last year of the Howard Government, a total of $254 million was spent on campaign advertising.

To help the public understand the challenges of climate change and the opportunities for a clean energy future, the Government will also launch a $3 million grant program on 30 June 2011.

The Government will provide grants of up to $250,000 for organisations to engage with the public on the opportunities of a clean energy future.

“Many people are working hard to build a clean energy future for Australia. We think they deserve the opportunity to be heard,” said Mr Combet.

The grant program guidelines and application process will be made available on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website from 30 June 2011.

The $8.2 million allocated in the 2011-12 Budget for the Climate Change Foundation Campaign will fund this grants program, partnerships and other community engagement activities.

“To achieve lasting security and prosperity for all Australians, we must achieve a clean energy future. It is vital that we communicate with the Australian community on how the Government is working to achieve this goal.” Mr Combet said.