"The passage of the Government's Safeguard Mechanism reforms through the Parliament is a major step in Australia's transition to net zero emissions, but there is still much work to be done," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of national employer association Ai Group, said today.
"After all the political gyrations of recent years and recent months, the legislation delivers a measure of much-needed certainty that Australia is serious about both its emissions goals and the centrality of competitive industry to achieving them. Maintaining and building our competitiveness is crucial both to our prosperity and our ability to deliver a net zero emissions economy.
"Improved measures in the package recognising the importance of manufacturing are welcome, and offer breathing space to consider more effective and efficient long-term measures. The Government's review of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be important to balancing competitiveness with deepening emissions targets.
"Beyond that review there is now much to be done to bed down these reforms by 1 July this year. Industry will be doing its part to make the reforms work, including by highlighting any aspects of implementation that turn out to be problematic," Mr Willox said.
Media enquiries
Tony Melville – 0419 190 347
