Investment in low emissions technologies that strengthen our economy and support rural and regional jobs and businesses are a priority of The Nationals in Government on the road to recovery from COVID-19, and to help Australia reduce global emissions.
Today, the Liberal and Nationals Government released the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper, that will bring a strategic and system-wide view to future investments in low emissions technologies.
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap is about more than just reducing emissions.
“The focus needs to be on developing technologies that will support rural and regional jobs and making sure our families and businesses are paying a fair cost for energy,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Inspiration and motivation is everywhere here in regional Victoria, from our boutique breweries and distilleries who made the switch to medical supply production to the inspirational Totally Renewable Yackandandah group.
“You only have to look at some of the incredible recent production and manufacturing adjustments by regional Victorian businesses to know with confidence Victoria is ready to lead Australia’s new technology charge.
“Our plan will help put Australia at the forefront of research and development while maintaining our strong record of reducing emissions.”
“Real action on technology, not taxes, is the pathway to further remissions reduction here and around the world.”
The Government will back new and emerging technologies that will increase the productivity of export sectors such as agriculture, energy, metals and minerals processing.
We are also focusing on technologies that allow Australia to capitalise on opportunities to develop new industries and jobs and position us to support our trading partners’ plans to reduce emissions through the export of low emissions technologies, energy and other products.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government sees enormous potential in technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, biofuels, resources and energy exports to reduce emissions while strengthening our economy.
“The Government is committed to reducing emissions without imposing new costs on households, while at the same time growing businesses and regional economies,” Minister Taylor said.
“At its core, this is about technology not taxes. It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs and the economy. It is an approach based on rigour, confidence, optimism, and Australian ingenuity not ideology.
The alternative is to sign up to long term targets without a clear plan. This approach will penalise energy-intensive industries and reduce economic activity.
The Roadmap goals will be developed in consultation with industry, researchers and the financial sector, with progress reported through an annual Low Emissions Technology Statement.
The Roadmap will be a cornerstone of Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Strategy, to be released ahead of COP26.
The Government has already made substantial investments in clean energy technology, with more than $10 billion invested in more than 670 clean energy projects with a total project value in excess of $35 billion.
To contribute to this important national conversation or learn more about the Roadmap process, visit: https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/technology-investment-roadmap/
Written submissions are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.