I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency in the Gillard Government.

Dealing with climate change is a key priority for the Government. It is a tremendous environmental challenge that demands careful economic reform.

My priorities in this new portfolio will be to continue the Government’s strong support for renewable energy, to promote greater energy efficiency in industry and households, and to work towards the introduction of a carbon price.

A continuing and active role in the international response to climate change will also be an important priority.

In the new Parliament climate change policy will require broad consultation and the building of consensus. I am committed to this approach.

Community consensus is also fundamental to the development of Australia’s response to climate change, and I will work to contribute to this consensus.

I will work hard within this framework to implement Labor’s election commitments in this area.

I look forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues and other Members of Parliament on this important issue for our nation’s future.

I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous hard work of my predecessor Senator Penny Wong who has been a pioneer of climate change policy in this country, and with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past 18 months.