The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, today released for public consultation an exposure draft of the key Clean Energy Regulations 2011 designed to implement important aspects of the Jobs and Competitiveness Program and assistance for coal-fired electricity generators.

"The draft regulations are designed to give effect to the Government’s $9.2 billion Jobs and Competitiveness Program that will assist businesses that undertake emissions-intensive, trade-exposed activities (EITE) in making the move to a Clean Energy Future," Mr Combet said.

"The Jobs and Competitiveness Program has been designed to maintain the strongest incentives for firms to reduce their pollution and become more energy efficient. The allocation of free permits on the basis of historical industry average benchmarks allows firms to benefit from their efficiency gains and rewards those who are already taking action," Mr Combet said. These activities and indicative assistance are outlined in the attachment below.

"By reducing the amount of carbon pollution it takes to produce a tonne of aluminium, steel, glass or paper our industries will remain competitive in a clean energy economy," he said.

"The release of the draft regulations is part of the Gillard Government’s commitment to assist our manufacturing and heavy industry whose prices are set by international markets."

"The Government welcomes comments from the public, businesses and experts on how these regulations would work in practice."

These regulations will complement the Clean Energy Legislative Package that is currently being debated in the Parliament. The Government’s clean energy plan will reduce Australia’s carbon pollution and drive investment in clean energy technology while ensuring households are assisted and jobs are supported. Subject to Parliamentary passage, the Government expects the regulations will in place by 1 March 2012.

The Government encourages firms conducting potential EITE activities to submit audited data to the Government as soon as possible so that the eligibility of their activity can be assessed. The Government will endeavour to make and announce decisions on the eligibility of the remaining EITE activities within eight weeks of the receipt of audited data from all Australian entities conducting a given activity.

Other draft regulations deal with the application process for assistance for coal-fired electricity generators.

The draft regulations and accompanying explanatory material, along with details of the consultation process, are available on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/regulations.aspx

Submissions on the draft Jobs and Competitiveness Program regulations can be sent to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency until 5pm on Friday, 28 October 2011.

Submissions or questions about the draft regulations can be emailed to EITE@climatechange.gov.au.

Submissions on the draft coal-fired generation assistance regulations can be sent to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency until 5pm on Thursday, 13 October 2011.

Submissions or questions about the draft regulations can be emailed to esf@climatechange.gov.au.

Further information in relation to the Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future and carbon price announcement is available at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au.