Greg Combet, Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, today encouraged Newcastle businesses and householders to learn more about the Government’s climate change action and think about the opportunities it presents.

Speaking to local Hunter residents at a Labor Party Central Policy Branch meeting in Newcastle, Mr Combet explained how the Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme works and why it is the right approach.

“The Scheme is designed to place Australia on a low-emissions pathway, while also managing the economic costs of transition,” Mr Combet said.

“The broad coverage of the Scheme will increase opportunities for low-cost reductions in carbon pollution and ensure that the cost of achieving these reductions is shared equitably across the economy,”

“As we continue to see a global carbon market develop, the ability of the Scheme to link internationally offers Australian companies maximum flexibility to reduce emissions at the lowest cost.” Mr Combet said.

Mr Combet also addressed recent comments on the impact of the scheme on cost of living and local employment.

“Modelling conducted by the Treasury for the Government shows that the price increases under the CPRS could be less than $6 per week (or around $300 per year) for the average household by 2012-13.”

“While the increases in the cost of living are expected to be modest, low- and middle-income Australians will be given substantial assistance to help with these costs.  Extra support for low-income households will more than meet the expected overall increase in the cost of living from the CPRS.”

“The Government’s figures show that we can cut our carbon emissions while employment and incomes continue to grow.  For example, under a 5 per cent emissions reduction on 2000 levels by 2020, coal mining output is expected to grow by more than 60 per cent over the period 2008-2050.”

“When we look at the real figures it is clear that the overall costs of taking action on climate change is modest. The costs of not taking action are much higher.”

“The Government recently delivered on a key election commitment to ensure that 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020, by securing agreement in Parliament to pass the Renewable Energy Target legislation,”

“But Parliament still has important work to do and must pass the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme to ensure Australia is in the best position to tackle climate change. Without the Scheme, Australia’s carbon pollution will be 20 per cent higher in 2020 than in 2000.” Mr Combet said.

“I encourage you to continue to engage in the discussion and play your active part as Australians, in the global fight against climate change.” Mr Combet said.

Media contact:  Rod Hilton 0458 276 619