Energy Saving News
Australian Businesses Request Tax Breaks for Energy Efficiency
BUSINESS groups in Australia are appealing to the government to use tax breaks to improve energy efficiency, rather than the planned carbon tax or emissions trading scheme, at least until there is an international consensus on climate policy.
The current Labor government is due to meet tomorrow, Tuesday 13th July, to consider new approaches to climate policy in the run-up to a general election. New Prime Minister Julia Gillard named climate change as one of the key issues to be addressed by the new government.
Ms Gillard is expected to flag new renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
"With government this week again considering climate policy, there is no quick pre-election fix. In the absence of a global consensus where other countries carry their fair share, the Australian government should look to policies which are measured and practical," said Peter Anderson, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
"The recent change in Australian political leadership did not change the fact that the Copenhagen (climate) conference failed to reach a global consensus. The Australian government must adapt policy to this reality," he said.
Tax incentives for businesses and industry to use lower-emitting equipment would be a "step in the right direction", he said.
In a survey of 1,000 business owners carried out by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) found 75% favor business tax incentives for energy efficiency.
Monday 12th July 2010
