Joint statement by Innes Willox, Chief Executive, Australian Industry Group, Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia, and Brendan Pearson, Chief Executive, Minerals Council of Australia

Three of Australia’s leading groups representing businesses in critical sectors of the economy have welcomed today’s repeal of the carbon tax as the first step in moving towards an emissions reduction policy that works for the economy and the environment.

The groups reinforced the importance of the Australian Government now developing and implementing a cost-effective Emissions Reduction Fund as part of a toolkit of measures to reduce emissions, and of the Senate working with them to achieve this in a timely manner. To date there has been significant consultation on the Emissions Reduction Fund.

It is essential that discussions about climate change policy, including new or amended legislation, be open and transparent and involve full and effective consultation with business and the community.

The economic and environmental impacts of policy and any changes to it need to be fully considered as part of a transparent and consultative process. If policy were to be developed through political negotiations without adequate consultation, the likely outcome would be unworkable, the groups said.

Climate policy should achieve its objectives at least cost, not erode the competitiveness of trade exposed industries, and support efficient long-term investment, the groups concluded.

For further information contact:

Tony Melville, Director Public Affairs and Government Relations, Australian Industry Group, mobile 0419 190 347

Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs, Business Council of Australia, telephone (03) 8664 2603, mobile 0403 241 128

Ben Mitchell, Director – Public Affairs, Minerals Council of Australia, (02) 6233 0600, mobile 0419 850 212