The Smart Energy Council – the peak independent body for Australia’s renewable energy and renewable hydrogen industries – welcomes today’s release by the Australian Government of the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms Position Paper.

“The Safeguard Mechanism is one of Australia’s most important climate action policies and the Australian Government is right to reform this critical policy to make sure Australia’s biggest polluters slash their emissions,” said Wayne Smith, Acting Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council.

“Action on climate change creates jobs and economic opportunities, particularly in regional communities across Australia.”

“The Smart Energy Council welcomes the establishment of a $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund. This is good news for regional communities and good news for those who care about action on climate change.”

“Australia’s biggest polluters should be directly reducing their emissions through projects in Australia. International offsets should be banned. Domestic offsets should only be used by hard to abate industries, as a last resort.”

“The Safeguard Mechanism should be reviewed every two years to ensure it is consistent with climate science and Australia’s international climate change commitments, with an appropriate emissions reduction trajectory.”

“The Smart Energy Council welcomes consideration of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, crediting, trading, hybrid baselines and other mechanisms.”

“The Smart Energy Council welcomes actions proposed by the Australian Government and will be actively involved in the consultation process to help ensure a robust, ambitious Safeguard Mechanism is put in place.”

For more information, contact Wayne Smith on 0417 141 812 or at wayne@smartenergy.org.au