What Are Major Parties’ Climate Change Policies?

NEWS.com.au - Charis Chang


World leaders have been warned that civilisation could collapse

Climate change action is likely to feature prominently at the federal election and could decide the future of a number of politicians.
We’ve seen both major parties stumble over their policies amid warnings the world only has about 10 years to act on climate change and tussles over whether Australia’s emissions are actually going up or down.
Most recently former prime minister Tony Abbott, under pressure in his electorate from independent Zali Steggall, did a backflip on his view that Australia should withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Meanwhile you’ve got Nationals leader Michael McCormack suggesting Labor’s proposed 45 per cent renewable energy target would mean night-time sport would be scrapped.
There’s a power play going on in the Nationals as some MPs, including Barnaby Joyce, push for a new taxpayer-backed coal-fired power plant, while others in the Coalition fear the move would alienate Liberal voters in southern states who are calling out for action on climate change.
Here’s what you need to know about the major parties’ climate change policies.

Are we building new coal-fired power stations?
If Labor wins the election, no.
If the Coalition is returned, maybe.
Basically the Morrison Government hasn’t ruled out supporting coal projects as part of its Underwriting New Generation Investments program.
The program involves the government (in other words: taxpayers) taking on the risk of building new electricity generators and covering any losses if the project became a white elephant because of changes to climate policy for example.
“About 10” coal projects are being considered for funding but overall there were more than 60 proposals submitted for new electricity generation.
Meanwhile, some Nationals, such as Mr Joyce, are going even further and calling for the government to fund a coal-fired power station in Queensland.

The Hazelwood power station in the Latrobe Valley was closed in 2017. Picture: Paul Crock/ AFPSource:AFP

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pointed out there is one major sticking point when it comes to building a new coal-fired power station in Queensland.
“For such a (coal) project to proceed, it would require the approval of a Queensland state government. The Queensland state government has no intention of approving any such projects,” Mr Morrison said.
“So I tend to work in the area of the practical. The things that actually can happen. And what actually can happen is the investments that we are making in renewable projects and reliable projects.”

The goals
Labor continues to support a 45 per cent emissions target by 2030, and a 50 per cent renewable energy target.
The Liberal party has committed to a 26 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.

Labor policies
Labor has a $15 billion energy plan and it includes reviving former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s National Energy Guarantee (NEG).
Labor leader Bill Shorten has said he would adopt the energy policy, which has the support of business groups in Australia.
It involves retailers, such as gas, solar and wind farm owners, signing contracts to supply a minimum amount of energy that could be available at all times.
Electricity sold to consumers must produce an average emissions level that meets the 26 per cent reduction target in the Paris Agreement target.
Labor will also give 100,000 households (with incomes below $180,000) a $2000 rebate to buy and install a battery for their solar panels. It’s estimated this could allow them to save more than 60 per cent off their power bills.

Labor leader Bill Shorten. Picture: AAP/James Ross Source:AAP

Most significantly, it will double the amount of government financing available for clean energy projects through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, from $10 billion to $20 billion.
Mr Shorten has also promised $5 billion to modernise Australia’s transmission network — which transports power around the country — including a Basslink cable to connect Tasmania with the mainland.
A Clean Energy Training Fund will be established to train workers in the skills they need for clean energy industries and an independent Just Transition Authority will be established to oversee the closures of coal-fired power stations in the future including pooled redundancy schemes and economic diversification plans.
Labor will also require large generators to give at least three years notice if they plan to shut down.
An independent Energy Security and Modernisation Fund will be created to upgrade energy networks and build new ones. Businesses will also be encouraged to improve productivity and efficiency so they can get more out of the energy they consume through a new Energy Productivity Agenda.

Liberal policies
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has staked his environmental reputation on a new Climate Solutions Fund.
The 10-year fund is an extension of former PM Tony Abbott’s “direct action” Emissions Reduction Fund.
Mr Morrison has said the $2 billion fund will ensure Australia meets its 2030 emissions reduction targets without “taking a sledgehammer” to the economy.
The fund will partner with farmers, local government and businesses to deliver “practical” solutions to climate change.
Examples of projects include improving the energy efficiency of commercial and public lighting, planting trees and collecting gas that is generated in landfills from decaying organic material.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison famously took a lump of coal into the House of Representatives. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas Source:AAP

Mr Morrison has committed $1.4 billion in equity into making Snowy Hydro 2.0 — another Turnbull proposal — a reality. The huge pumped hydro project involves pumping water up a hill during times when electricity is cheap, storing it, and then releasing the water to generate power when it’s needed.
The government is also funding a feasibility study into Battery of the Nation, another pumped hydro project in Tasmania.
Some National MPs are calling for the government to fund new coal-fired power plants.
They also want to push through so-called “big stick” measures to stop energy companies ripping consumers off. The government has shelved its laws for “divestiture”, which would allow the government of force the breakup of large energy companies, until after the election.

PM Scott Morrison with Energy Minister Angus Taylor, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Environment Minister Melissa Price visiting the Snowy Hydro Tumut 3 Power Station in NSW. Picture: Kym Smith Source:News Corp Australia

 
Links

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases special report on global warming targets
• Government accused of fibbing about carbon emissions after tense Insiders interview
• Extraordinary claim that night-time sport could be at risk if Labor wins federal election
• Barnaby Joyce says he remains the ‘elected deputy prime minister of Australia’
• Morrison Government seeks interest from those wanting to build large-scale energy projects
• What is the National Energy Guarantee and will it reduce power prices?
• Scott Morrison’s busy morning announcing the ‘Climate Solutions Fund’
• ‘Groundbreaking’ Snowy Hydro 2.0 project gets the go-ahead