The Australian Greens, the Labor government and the Independent MPs today announced an historic agreement on a climate action package that will put a $23 per tonne price on carbon pollution, as was first proposed by the Greens in January 2010, support householders and invest billions of dollars in clean, renewable energy.
"This outcome is a tribute to quite remarkable negotiation by the Prime Minister, Minister Combet and the Government team. It also comes from a very constructive commitment to both their electorates and the nation from Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott," Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, said.
"Leading our team I pay special tribute to Christine Milne whose knowledge and insight into climate change policy options worldwide have been central to this historic outcome. The member for Melbourne Adam Bandt has also contributed with his wide grasp of knowledge about this complex challenge for the nation."
Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said "this historic agreement delivers the biggest investments in renewable energy and biodiversity Australia has ever seen, the planned closure of coal fired power plants, a big boost to global climate negotiations and much more, and the Greens will keep working for stronger action.
"Australians are always happy to contribute to an effort if we are confident it will make a real difference. This is a package that will deliver for our community, economy and climate and I believe the Australian people will support it."
The carbon price agreement:
• Lifts Australia's 2050 target to 80%, lays the foundations for stronger, science-based climate action in the years ahead and boosts chances of a global climate agreement;
• invests $10 billion in renewable energy, supports energy efficiency and starts planning for a 100% renewable energy future;
• provides greater certainty to clean technology investors with three years of fixed prices and a price floor for an additional three years;
• will begin to close coal-fired power stations and prevents the building of new ones;
• ensures that the reduced compensation to polluters drives economic transformation;
• helps the most vulnerable Australians;
• limits the use of international offsets (both quantity and quality);
• invests $1.7 billion in protecting biodiversity and supporting farmers; and
• makes voluntary action to cut emissions count.
"We are particularly delighted that this package is designed as a platform for stronger, more ambitious action into the future, not to lock in failure," Senator Milne said.
"Pollution cuts that were pushed into the distant future under the government's original plans will now be pulled forward into the next few years thanks to the Greens work on this package."
Australian Greens Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, said "The people of Melbourne should be very proud today. By shifting to the Greens at the last election, Melbourne's leadership made this clean energy plan happen. We have now kick-started strong climate action and Australia is moving to a clean energy economy."
