Clean Energy Future

Neville Roach, in front, presents a testimonial statement supporting Australia’s clean energy future on behalf of CALD ambassadors, including (from left) Fadi Nemme, Daphne Lowe Kelley, Ross Tzannes, Yoon Hyeon-Jung and David Giang.

A distinguished group of clean energy advocates joined forces in Sydney on 26 June to talk to media representatives from Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities about Australia’s clean energy future.

The group, who gathered at 161 Castlereagh Street in Sydney – the new 6 Green star building constructed by Grocon – included six CALD community ambassadors led by Neville Roach, Chair of the TATA Group,  John Connor, Chief Executive Officer of The Climate Institute and Nathan Fabian, Chief Executive of Investor Group on Climate Change.

Mr Roach presented the media with a testimonial statement signed by each of the CALD community ambassadors.  “A Clean Energy Future is essential to securing a sustainable and prosperous Australia,” he read, “which has a clean and safe environment in which to raise our children, live our lives and contribute to the wealth and well-being of our country.”

“We encourage you to be part of the Clean Energy Future revolution by taking up the challenge to become a Clean Energy Future supporter and act locally,” he continued. “We are!”

Mr Connor presented the media with a ‘reality check’ about the impacts of the carbon price on the cost of living, based on results from an independent study by CSIRO and AECOM commissioned by The Climate Institute.

“The reality is that the carbon price’s cost of living impacts will be modest,” he said.  “It’s important to remember that the carbon price signals are actually aimed at board room tables, not household kitchen tables.”

“Our research shows that the price impact on households will, on average, be $9.10 per week, which is 80 cents less than estimated by Treasury,” he said.

Mr Fabian congratulated the Australian Government on its Clean Energy Future policy.

“The carbon price will redirect more of our investment into low carbon and renewable energy assets,” he said. “We can see that profitable businesses of the future are the ones that are able to minimise their emissions and are able to quickly adapt to change.”

With the implementation of the carbon price on 1 July 2012, Australia will take an important step towards reducing its carbon pollution by putting a price on carbon. It will see Australia’s biggest polluters pay for every tonne of carbon pollution they produce, creating a powerful incentive for business to invest in clean technology, and to find more efficient ways of operating.

“I will feel proud to be an Australian as this reform kicks in,” Mr Connor said.