Business welcomes a step towards a low emissions future
21 May 2020
The government’s Technology Roadmap discussion paper will help chart a course towards a lower emissions future, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
“All Australians want action on climate change and access to affordable, reliable and secure energy, delivering these things will require investment in new solutions and technologies.
“The Technology Roadmap will drive and prioritise investment in new technologies that will help put Australia on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
“By not picking winners and remaining technology neutral, the Roadmap is firmly focussed on achieving a critical end goal, a more carbon efficient economy, while ensuring that new jobs, industries and opportunities are created to keep Australia competitive.
“When finalised the Technology Roadmap, together with the recommendations of the King Review to expand the Climate Solutions Fund and other technology-focussed strategies including on hydrogen, electric vehicles and grid reliability, will form the building blocks of the government’s comprehensive long-term strategy to reduce emissions, meet our international commitments, lower energy costs and ensure Australia’s economy remains as competitive as possible.
“Similar to the King Review, the Roadmap emphasises crucial role that business will play in partnership with governments to accelerate the transition to a lower emissions economy and clean energy future.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic Australia’s economic recovery will need to be jobs focussed and that will require attracting new low emissions businesses and industries.
“We acknowledge the establishment of the Ministerial Reference Panel and welcome the appointments of former Business Council president Grant King, Business Council Board member and Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil Alison Watkins and Business Council member and Chief Executive of Macquarie Group Shemara Wikramanayake.
“Together with the chair, Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel, and other members, this panel is well placed to advise the government on investment priorities and technology deployment options going forward.
“We look forward to working with the government through the consultation process to put in place the policies that will drive investment, create jobs and make our economy as carbon efficient as possible.”