Labor's plan for a 50% renewable energy target
22 July, 2015 by Lauren DavisOpposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced an ambitious plan for Australia's future electricity mix, stating that a Labor government will commit to at least 50% renewables by 2030.
Deal reached on RET cut — but not everyone's happy
29 June, 2015 by Lauren DavisThe long-debated legislation to cut Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), and to list native wood waste as a possible fuel source, passed an extended sitting of the Senate on Tuesday night.
New RET legislation allows burning of native forests
01 June, 2015Environment Minister Greg Hunt last week introduced controversial legislation that would allow the burning of native forests for electricity generation to be included as a source of renewable energy under the amended Renewable Energy Target (RET) - and it looks like some companies are already planning for this eventuality.
A quiet Budget night for sustainability
13 May, 2015 by Lauren DavisThe 2015 Federal Budget could not have been more different to its predecessor, with the environment and sustainability sector barely rating a mention.
Energy productivity a focus of the Energy White Paper
13 April, 2015Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane released the Australian Government's Energy White Paper last week.
RET reduction deal backed by Labor
10 April, 2015 by Lauren DavisThe ALP will reluctantly support a forced compromise deal of a 33,500 GWh Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2020, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced.
WA to consolidate six water Acts into one
20 March, 2015The Western Australian Government has announced the drafting of the Water Resources Management Bill, claimed by Water Minister Mia Davies to deliver the most significant change to the state's water management framework in more than 100 years.
Lord Stern calls for a new approach to climate change negotiations
09 December, 2014As the Lima Climate Change Conference enters its second week, British academic Professor Nicholas Stern has released a report stating that governments should be ambitious, dynamic and collaborative in their negotiations over a new international agreement on climate change.
Emissions Reduction Fund passed by Senate
03 November, 2014The legislative amendments to establish the Emissions Reduction Fund - the centrepiece of the Australian Government’s policy suite to reduce emissions - has been passed by the Senate.
Energy Green Paper outlines blueprint for future policies
25 September, 2014The Australian Government has released the Energy Green Paper - a document which includes policy approaches to ensure reliable and affordable energy that supports business competitiveness, lowers the cost of living and grows exports.
Companies call for RET to stay
23 September, 2014Forty small and medium businesses from around Australia have submitted an open letter to the government, urging it to retain the Renewable Energy Target (RET) and reject the recommendations of the recent review to shut down or severely reduce the target.
Backlash against RET review recommendations
01 September, 2014 by Lauren DavisThe Australian Government has released the RET Review report - an assessment of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) conducted by an independent panel. The review has been criticised by major players in the renewable energy industry.
Where does the carbon tax abolition leave businesses?
04 August, 2014Accounting firm RSM Bird Cameron has outlined the initial impact of the abolition of the carbon pricing mechanism on businesses.
Carbon tax finally repealed
17 July, 2014 by Lauren DavisThe carbon tax was given the axe today as senators voted for the scheme's repeal.
National container deposit scheme claimed to cost $8bn
15 July, 2014The Daily Telegraph claims to have obtained a secret government report, written in March this year, which contains figures for a proposed national container deposit scheme (CDS). Such a scheme could cost consumers $8 billion a year - up from the $1.4 billion originally estimated.
