Government gets the principle right but the practice wrong on greenhouse gas policy
The Member for the South West and Shadow Minister for Energy Minister Dr Steve Thomas said today’s announcement by State Environment Minister Reece Whitby that the Government would pass the management of state greenhouse gas emissions to the Commwealth for large projects was the correct one, but that the Federal Safeguard Mechanism was a bad vehicle to rely on if you come from Western Australia.
“I have long held the position that greenhouse gas policy has to be managed federally to provide certainty and consistency across Australia, and a draft environment policy I wrote nearly twenty years stated that greenhouse gas policy “must be managed by the Commonwealth and apply equally across Australia” Dr Thomas said.
“I am glad to see the Labor Party finally agree.
“The removal of the duplication of assessment by both the State EPA and the Commonwealth for major projects is an obvious and welcome red tape reduction measure.
“However, I would have far more confidence in the outcome if WA had not handed over control to Federal Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Act 2023, which will see massive impacts on Western Australia’s unique mining and energy industries.
“This was why the Bill was opposed by my federal colleagues.
“The road to net zero by 2050 is not easy, and it needs to be achieved without damaging the long term economy and costing jobs.”
“Another important question is whether this new policy only applies to those projects and facilities that qualify for safeguard mechanism status by emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum” Dr Thomas said
“The Government needs to clarify the process for smaller projects, such as whether those emitting under 100,000 tonnes of CO2e will still be assessed by the State EPA, and how the recommendations and standards applied to projects might vary because of that.
“Having different rules for different businesses is problematic, and we need clarity as a matter of urgency.
“Otherwise, might see a large project with higher emissions get approval from the Commonwealth, while a smaller one gets blocked by the state.”
