Problems relating to Trade and Investment on Australia
22. Environmental pollution and waste disposal |
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Issue |
Issue details |
Requests |
Reference |
| (1) Irrational Implementing Policy for CO2 Emission Control | - In regard to the CO2 emission control issue, which has calmed down for a moment, in light of possible acceleration of its re-introduction, the following issues have been re-ascertained: (1) The consultant's report in support of the draft policy previously submitted for review was based upon CAFE's fixed quantitative restriction, which is relatively disadvantageous to car manufacturers whose product line-ups are focused on commercial/large type vehicles. (2) The consultant's report in support of the draft policy is based on unrealistic premises that deviate from the status quo of the car industries and their technical developments. (3) The process toward policy decision has frequently lagged behind the schedule. As it stands, it likely deprives manufacturers of the requisite technical development time to respond to the new regulatory control. (4) The Draft Climate Change Authority (CCA) Regulation proposed in 2014 did not sufficiently reflect the differences in the market composition of Australia vis-a-vis Europe and other regions, lacking fairness in the regulatory control values. |
- As described in the left column It is requested that GOA: (1) ensures fairness to all manufacturers in the regulatory provisions that reflect the products' composition, and the market structure, (2) takes into account the deviation of the consultant's report from the real status quo, and (3) decides the timing of the enforcement flexibly to account for the delay in policy decision. (4) The same as (1) and (2). |
- Clean Energy Future - Carbon Tax - Carbon Farming Initiative - Renewable Energy Target |
| (Action) - On 10 July 2011, Prime Minister Gillard released the details for Carbon Pricing System (CPS) as follows: (1) From July 2012, GOA begins CPS at fixed price, after 3-Years of Transitional Period, will shift to Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). (2) Carbon price will be $A23 per ton of CO2 emission, with effective increase each year by 2.5%. (3) The Top 500 Enterprises (approx.) in CO2 Emission Volume shall be Enterprises subject to CPS. |
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| (2) Nebulous Assumption of GHG Cost | - New conservative coalition government intends to repeal the current carbon tax scheme introduced by the former labour administration. Deliberation on Green House Gas (GHG) measures is now under way. Compared to thermal plants that rely on fossil fuel, the emission volume is slight in the case of a thermal plant running on natural gas. It contributes to reduction in GHG emission. However, if the cost of the scheme for GHG reduction in the natural gas thermal plant is heavier than operations in other countries, the competitive edge of the Australian natural gas thermal plant declines. | - It is requested that GOA introduces GHG scheme that are mindful of the international competitive edge of the Australian LNG project. | - Clean Energy Act 2011 - The Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 |
| (3) Time Consuming Procedures for Environmental Licences and Approvals | - Due to the duplication in approval process of Federal Government and State Governments for grant of the environmental licences and approvals on coal mine development projects, sometimes, it takes a few years for issuance. | - It is requested that GOA corrects the licences and approvals procedures by eliminating duplication of the competent authority. | - Bills relative to Environmental Licences and Approvals |
| (4) Voiding Decision overturning High Court's Violative Decision on Container Deposit Scheme | - "Container Deposit Scheme" now enforced in South Australia and northern territories targets aluminium tins and PET with relatively high recycle rates among the beverage containers, and its restricted implementation only in limited state, and territory compels undue burdens upon consumers, manufacturers and distributors is deemed to be in violation of "Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act." When the related industries sued against South Australia and the northern territories, the high court of Australia judged so. However, South Australia and northern territories later obtained permanent exclusionary approval voiding the high court decision. | - It is requested that South Australia and northern territories: -- repeal container deposit scheme, and -- rigorously and adequately administers Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act. |
- Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act |
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