Business and industry

A crucial part of addressing climate change is to reduce the carbon pollution Australia releases into the atmosphere. All Australians need to do their bit—whether individuals, governments or businesses. The Australian Government is supporting businesses to reduce their carbon pollution, to create the new green-collar jobs of the future and to transform our economy.

Around 500 companies—the largest polluters in our economy—will be required to purchase a permit for every tonne of pollution they produce.

Through Clean Energy Future, the Australian Government encourages businesses to reduce their carbon footprint through a carbon tax. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation enables the Australian Government to finance the private sector for renewable and clean technology projects. New projects will also be identified and barriers will be removed from large-scale renewable energy projects.

These investments are critical to the transformation of the Australian economy.

Legal obligations for businesses

As the Government introduces legislation to transform the economy for the future, it is important to know how it is likely to affect your business. A small number of companies will have direct legal obligations, but for most businesses the most significant change will be the introduction of a carbon price through Clean Energy Future.

To ensure Australia's action to reduce carbon pollution is effective, the Australian Government has developed the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) System to measure and monitor corporate greenhouse gas emissions, energy production and energy consumption.

Find out whether your business needs to report

Make the most of the opportunities

Discover how to make the most of the business opportunities as Australia transforms into a low carbon economy. There are a range of Government programs that will help you stay informed and understand how to better position your business in a low carbon economy. We are also helping businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce their environmental and operational costs.

Moving to a Clean Energy Future will provide new economic opportunities for Australian workers.

Opportunities will open up in existing businesses as they move to operating in a Clean Energy Future. Many businesses will invest in new technology to generate less pollution and become more efficient.

Jobs will also be created in new clean industries such as renewable energy generation, carbon farming and sustainable design, to name just a few.

The Jobs and Competitiveness Program supports local jobs and production, and encourages industry to invest in cleaner technologies. This program is targeted at companies that produce a lot of carbon pollution but are constrained in their capacity to pass through costs in global markets. It has been carefully designed to assist these industries in a way that maintains strong incentives for them to improve their energy efficiency and reduce the pollution intensity of their products.

How will climate change affect your business?

Climate change will affect businesses in a variety of ways. Ensure your long-term business planning is well-informed by the latest research and analysis.

Stay informed

Notifications of seminars or consultations for the business community will be posted on this website and sent through email alerts

Share your ideas

Across Australia, many businesses are already reaping the rewards from taking early action on climate change. In most cases it just makes good business sense—learn from other businesses or submit your own video, photos or story to let other businesses and the community know what you are doing.

What Government measures will affect my business?

The Australian Government has placed thresholds to protect some businesses from impact. Discover how your business could be affected or assisted due to climate change.