Meta Data
Draft: 
No
Revision of previous policy?: 
No
Draft Year: 
2015
Effective Start Year: 
2016
Scope: 
National
Document Type: 
Other
Economic Sector: 
Multi-Sector
Energy Types: 
All, Other
Issued by: 
The Australian Government
Overall Summary: 
Australia hereby states the importance to deliver a strong and effective new global climate change agreement, applicable to all UNFCCC Parties. The document underlines Australia's past, present and future commitments to tackle climate change. In particular, the following sections are provided: 1. Australia's Commitment; 2. A fair and ambitious contribution to deliver the Convention’s objective; 3. Planning processes towards achieving Australia’s target.
Renewable Energy
RE targets: 
Under Australia’s Renewable Energy Target scheme, over 23 per cent of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020.
Environment
GHG emissions reduction targets: 
Australia will implement an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.---Absolute economy-wide emissions reduction by 2030, to be developed into an emissions budget covering the period 2021-2030. Carbon dioxide (CO2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O); Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); Perfluorocarbons (PFCs); Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6); Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
Decarbonization strategy: 
the Australian Government will in 2017-2018 undertake consultation to determine further post-2020 domestic emissions reduction policies.
Carbon markets: 
Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund supports Australian businesses to reduce emissions while improving productivity. The first auction under the Fund was held in April 2015, and successfully purchased over 47 million tonnes of abatement at an average price of AU$13.95. The Government is finalising a safeguard mechanism to ensure emissions reductions purchased under the Fund are not offset by significant rises in emissions elsewhere in the economy. Australia has additional policy measures in place to promote the deployment of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.