The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, and the Member for Corio, Richard Marles, welcomed the first public forum held by the Climate Commission in Geelong, Victoria tonight.

The forum, held at the Geelong West Town Hall from 5-7 pm, allowed local residents to engage with experts on the science and economics of climate change.

“The Government is committed to building consensus within the community around the need to take action on climate change, including providing further information about the impacts of climate change and how a carbon price actually works,” said Mr Combet.

“It is great to see local residents of Geelong offered the opportunity to discuss the important issue of climate change with some leading Australian experts in this area. This allows them to better understand the impacts of climate change and why we need to take action now,” Mr Marles said.

The Climate Commission was launched on February 10 this year and is chaired by Professor Tim Flannery, one of the Australia’s leading writers on climate change and an internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist.

Professor Flannery is joined by a number of eminent Australians who are leaders in their fields. They include Professor Will Steffen, Professor Lesley Hughes, Dr Susannah Eliot, Mr Gerry Hueston and Mr Roger Beale.

The Commissioners have expertise in a range of areas including climate change science, science communications, business, public policy and economics and are supported by a Science Advisory Panel.

The establishment of the Climate Commission fulfils an election commitment of the Gillard Government, to establish an independent body to provide expert advice and information on climate change to the community.

Further information on the work of the Commission and background on its members can be found at www.climatecommission.gov.au