THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Cabinet Secretary
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
MEDIA RELEASE
NEW ZEALAND COMMENDS AUSTRALIA’S PLAN FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus joined New Zealand Minister for Climate Change Issues, the Hon Dr Nick Smith MP, to outline opportunities for business created by Australia's Clean Energy Future plan and New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme.
Speaking at the 7th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business conference in Wellington New Zealand, Mr Dreyfus said, Climate change is a very real problem facing the world that requires action to be taken now. The Gillard Government has put Australia on track to join New Zealand and other leading nations in addressing the challenge of climate change by introducing its plan for a clean energy future.
"The decision to put a price on carbon pollution will transform the Australian economy by creating a competitive advantage for business, investors, research and innovators who find cleaner ways of doing business.
"New Zealand commenced its emissions trading scheme, which puts a price on carbon pollution, in 2008. Already New Zealand's carbon price is driving major investment in renewable energy, without any of the dire consequences some naysayers in Australia warn of.
"The Gillard Government welcomes the creation of similar opportunities once a carbon price is introduced in Australia on 1 July 2012," Mr Dreyfus said.
The Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business conference brings together business and policy makers from across the Tasman. The conference explores the opportunities for business created by Australia's Clean Energy Future plan and New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme.
While in New Zealand, Mr Dreyfus will meet with Dr Smith and New Zealand Trade Minister and Minister for International Climate Change Negotiations, the Hon Tim Groser MP, to discuss carbon pricing, work on linking emissions trading schemes and collaboration in the lead up to international climate change talks in South Africa at the end of the year.
During a visit to Australia by New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key MP, in June 2012, both Governments agreed to work on arrangements to link emissions trading schemes in the future.
MONDAY, 1 AUGUST 2011
