The Climate Institute today welcomed the emphasis on clean energy and climate change by the independents which could help pull Australia’s pollution politics out of the quagmire of scare campaigns, paranoia and deception.

“Today we’ve taken the first step of out of the quagmire in which Australia’s pollution politics has been stuck,” said The Climate Institute CEO John Connor.

“We now have the opportunity for improved parliamentary processes and to clean up Australia’s pollution politics that has seen a race to the bottom and costly uncertainty over the last 9 months.

“We’ve been pleased by past actions and comments of returned cross bench independents and we look forward to working with all politicians on credible action on pollution and climate change that will drive benefits in terms of jobs and industries, not only for regional Australians, but for all Australians.

“Despite the scare campaigns from the big polluters, The Climate Institute and others have maintained that we can reduce our pollution and grow jobs and the economy. It was pleasing to see Tony Windsor acknowledge regional Australia has much to gain from action on pollution and climate change.”

In June 2009 The Climate Institute published Clean Energy Jobs and Investment in Regional Australia which examined proposed clean energy projects that would be committed with a price tag on pollution and incentives for clean energy.  The report showed that around 26 200 new jobs will be created if planned and committed projects go ahead, with over $31 billion invested around $10 billion of which would be into regional Australia.

“Regional Australia will benefit not only from harvesting clean energy and carbon farming but also from avoiding the worst impacts of climate change if Australia can help build global ambition for action.”

“We’ve taken one step out of the quagmire now it is time to really get moving with a clear plan to put a limit and price tag on pollution; to grow clean energy jobs and to improving energy efficiency and productivity,” concluded Mr Connor

For further information:
John Connor | CEO, The Climate Institute | 0413 968 475
Harriet Binet | Communications Director, The Climate Institute | 02 8239 6299 or 0402 588 384