Environment
Our climate is changing and we must start taking concerted action now. The Labor Party is committed to ensuring Australians have a sustainable future.
We must increase the proportion of our energy which comes from environmental sources, and make genuine attempts to negotiate with the rest of the world to set binding, workable emissions targets.
FAQ
- What is Labor doing for the environment?
The Federal Labor Government has launched the National Carbon Accounting System, which will account for carbon emissions from land-based sectors, and to track reductions of forestry through land clearing, and announced plans to invest $2.25 billion over five years on the Caring For Our Country programme, which will co-ordinate community efforts to improve land management practices.
NSW has led the world developing innovative market-based environmental solutions, including establishing one of the world’s first emissions trading schemes, and a new system of biodiversity credits. As a result, our air and beaches are the cleanest they have been in decades. Controlling illegal land clearing in NSW will ensure Australia meets its Kyoto protocol targets.
- How will Labor’s plan for the environment help?
At the Federal level, the Labor Party made specific election commitments. The Government will implement a Clean Energy Plan, which includes:
- $500 million Renewable Energy Fund—to develop, commercialise and deploy renewable energy in Australia.
- $240 million Clean Business Fund—to help business and industry deliver energy and water efficiency projects, with a focus on productivity and innovation.
- $150 million Energy Innovation Fund—to keep our world leading scientists and researchers in Australia, rather than losing them overseas.
Federal Labor’s 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target will also ensure that the equivalent of at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply is generated from renewable sources by 2020.
In NSW, the Minister for the Environment Verity Firth has announced a Climate Action Plan, to prepare vulnerable communities, especially in coastal areas, for the effects of climate change.
- What has Labor achieved for the environment?
Kevin Rudd understands the importance of tackling climate change. That’s why as his first official act as Prime Minister, the Australian Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol. This brought Australia out of the international fringe and demonstrated that we are leaders in practically solving the climate change problem.
The NSW Government has introduced the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme, one of the first of its kind in the world, and one of the strictest and most wide-ranging. It sets annual greenhouse gas reduction targets for electricity producers, and allows for market-based trading.
The previous Premier, Bob Carr, created more than 300 National Parks between 1995 and 2005, expanding many other State reserves to protect forests from landclearing.
The Illawarra Waste Water Strategy, which includes an industrial water recycling programme for BlueScope Steel at Wollongong saving more than 7 billion litres of drinking water a year, has not only saved water but provided more than 1,000 jobs during the design and construction phases.
- How can I be involved?
If you are passionate about the environment you can check out the Labor Environment Activist Network.
- Where can I get more information?
http://alp.org.au/policy/index.php#climate_change_&_environment
http://www.greenhousegas.nsw.gov.au/