These assertions were made in a submission to Victoria’s review of the Climate Change Act.
“The Minerals Council of Australia (Victorian Division) does not support the reintroduction of an emissions target or specific emission standards in state law,” reads the submission.
“If adopted, these measures will inevitably result in Victorians and Victorian businesses being disadvantaged through increased cost pressures without an overall dividend in the form of lower national emissions.”
It was also firm in its disapproval of the state’s approach: “The MCA does not support state-based climate change policies and legislative regimes because they are at best inefficient and at worst ineffective and counterproductive.”
The MCA feels a more holistic, national view needs to be taken.
“The achievement of substantial emissions reductions, without damaging the economy, jobs and living standards, will require finding the lowest cost emissions abatement initiatives across the national economy.
“The abatement initiatives may not necessarily be achieved at uniform levels across respective states and territories.
“Accordingly, a policy approach that seeks to produce emissions reductions in one jurisdiction without reference to broader nation-wide approaches the makes it inevitable that the abatement will come at a much higher cost.
“Over time the impact of such measures will be counterproductive not least because they will weaken public support for genuine climate change mitigation measures.”
Lastly – and perhaps unsurprisingly – the council also called for balance with regards to the mining industry.
“The Australian mining industry has a vital role in enhancing Australia’s prosperity as well as in the global challenge of energy security and sustainable development.
“The MCA is therefore committed to supporting an international response to managing climate change that will deliver effective greenhouse gas emissions abatement, promote business opportunities and not undermine the Australian industry’s competitiveness.”
