Climate change threatens to destroy civilisation as we know it and we cannot wait another 15 or 20 years to act on the deep emission cuts needed to turn the situation around.
The health of our environment - the land, our rivers, our natural biodiversity, our access to clean water and air - calls for tough, immediate action.
We have a 30 year history of using the Senate to protect the environment, improving legislation and proposing sound solutions.
We are staunchly anti-nuclear, pro renewable energy and support sustainable practices.
Over the next few months the Democrats will continue to use the Senate to promote and protect the environment, as we have for three decades.
All electric cars - made in Australia
Below is our Action Agenda detailing what we believe the Rudd Government must do right now to address climate change.
We also have more detailed Action Plans that address specific issues including greenhouse, water, biodiversity, agriculture, introduced species and many more.
Our Action Agenda
1.
Ratify the Kyoto Protocol and ensure Australia plays an active and positive role in developing a multilateral response to climate change through the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), including binding commitments and measures to enable all nations to adapt to the effects of climate Establish a Sustainable Energy Commissioner.
2.
Amend the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) to increase the mandatory renewable energy target to an additional 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050.
3.
Amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to include triggers ensuring:
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all new and substantially redeveloped power stations require Commonwealth approval; national emission standards for all power stations; and
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all Commonwealth government grants are subject to an environmental assessment and approval.
4.
Introduce legislation that incorporates Australia’s obligations under the FCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, including:
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mandating specified emissions reduction targets;
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a national greenhouse strategy outlining how targets will be met;
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annual statements to the Parliament on emission levels; and,
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emission reduction targets for all Commonwealth agencies.
5.
Develop an AusAid greenhouse program to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, particularly Pacific island states, to assist with emission reduction and climate change adaptation.
6.
Introduce a carbon levy, and an emissions trading marketplace framework.
7.
Keep excise off alternative fuels and phase in the mandate on 10% ethanol fuels. Remove the 10% cap on ethanol blends.
8.
Invest in compressed natural gas refuelling stations.
9.
Provide incentives to motorists and auto manufacturers to take-up fuel efficient cars.
10.
Invest in better public transport, bike/walk ways and freight rail.
11.
Mandatory energy performance standards within the Building Code of Australia for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings;
12.
Establish a national Voluntary Code of Practice on Building Efficiency to encourage “best practice” for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings, backed by tax incentives.
13.
Continue indefinitely the photovoltaic rebate scheme.
14.
Re-fund renewable energy Cooperative Research Centres.
15.
Set greenpower targets for electricity retailers.
16.
Provide renewable energy industry assistance for Australian companies to capture at least 5% of the global market by 2015.
Our Record on Climate Change
Since the Australian Democrats inception in 1977 we have been against Nuclear Power and for the environment. It was the Australian Democrats who introduced the World Heritage Properties Protection Bill 1982 which was the basis for the ultimate salvation of the Franklin River against being dammed.
Since the early 1980’s the Democrats have called for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a halt to climate change.
