Climate Change Authority

Climate Change Authority
Statutory agency overview
Formed July 1, 2012
Jurisdiction Commonwealth of Australia
Headquarters Level 10, 90 Collins St
Melbourne, Victoria
Annual budget A$6,206,000
Minister responsible Greg Hunt, Minister for the Environment (Australia)
Statutory agency executives Bernie Fraser, Chairman
Anthea Harris, Chief executive officer
Parent department Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Website climatechangeauthority.gov.au

The Climate Change Authority is an Australian statutory agency that began operations on 1 July 2012. Its role is to advise the government on the setting of carbon pollution caps, to conduct periodic reviews of the carbon pricing process, and to report on progress towards meeting national targets.[1] These pollution caps will form the basis for the cap-and-trade structure to commence in 2015.

The authority has a Board comprising nine members, headed by Bernie Fraser. Other members include Lynne Williams, David Karoly, Elana Rubin, Heather Ridout, John Marlay, John Quiggin, Ian Chubb and Clive Hamilton.[2] The agency was established under the Climate Change Authority Act 2011.

The agency is based in Melbourne where it has the advantage of being able to work closely with the Productivity Commission.[3] The agency has been allocated A$6.2 million in the 2012-13 financial year.[4] The Australian Government, under Liberal leadership, is in the process of abolishing the Climate Change Authority, a move which has been heavily criticised.[5][6][7]

Functions

One of the authority's primary roles is to review and make recommendations regarding carbon pricing in Australia. It will advise the government on how well Australia is meeting its national emissions targets.[1] The final say on matter remains with Government and the Parliament of the day.

It is expected that the agency will work closely with businesses, academic institutions and non-government organisations.[8]

Publications

The first Review completed by the Climate Change Authority was the Review of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target. The Climate Change Authority received more than 8700 submissions as part of this Review.[9] On 19 December 2012 the Climate Change Authority released a Renewable Energy Target Review final report.

On 30 October 2013 the Climate Change Authority released a draft report as part of its Targets and Progress Review. [10] The Targets and Progress Review draft report has draft recommendations of emissions reduction targets for Australia and reports on how the country is tracking towards these targets. Public submissions on the draft report are open until 29 November 2013. [11] The final report will be presented to the Australian Government by 28 February 2014.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Climate Change Authority". Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  2. ↑ Greg Combet (21 June 2012). "Strong Board appointed for Climate Change Authority". Media Release. Australian Government. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  3. ↑ Matt Johnston (30 November 2011). "Climate Change Authority to be based in Melbourne". Herald Sun (News Limited). Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  4. ↑ "Agency Resourcing—2012‑2013". Australian Federal Budget 2012-13. Government of Australia. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  5. ↑ "Bernie Fraser criticises axing of Climate Change Authority". The Sydney Morning Herald. December 9, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Marshall Islands' President Christopher Loeak says it's not too late for climate action to save the Pacific". Australia Network News (ANN). January 21, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Climate Change Authority says Abbott must raise emissions target". The Guardian. October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  8. ↑ Michelle Grattan (18 August 2012). "Climate advisers headed for city". Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  9. ↑ "Renewable Energy Target Review". Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  10. ↑ "Targets and Progress Review". Climate Change Authority. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  11. ↑ "Targets and Progress Review". Climate Change Authority. Retrieved 30 October 2013.

External links