Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to greenhouse emissions, in 2009 the Council of Australian Governments accepted a joint report from the infrastructure and environment ministers on potential vehicle fuel efficiency measures that aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions from new vehicles. Those measures agreed by COAG are set out in the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency. The most significant recommendation relates to the consideration of mandatory CO2 emission standards for the light vehicles, a measure now being implemented in most major vehicle producing countries.

COAG requested the preparation of a regulatory impact statement to assess and compare the merits of introducing voluntary and mandatory CO2 emission standards for light vehicles in Australia. An experienced consultant has been engaged to manage the preparation of the RIS. The draft RIS is expected to be released for public comment when it is finalised shortly. This process will give relevant stakeholders input into the policy process and the RIS will then be finalised. This motion does pre-empt that process and on that basis it will not be supported.

Question put.