Africa Progress Panel Report

The Australian Government continues to play a role in addressing climate change and rejects outright claims made by the Africa Progress Panel in a report released today.

Claims that Australia will not meet its commitments and has withdrawn from constructive international engagement are based on incorrect assertions and are completely false

Australia has met its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol first commitment period – unlike other countries.

Australia is also on track to meet the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period target and Australia's emissions will be down 13 per cent on 2005 levels by 2020.

The Australian Government supports the science and the need for policies that actually reduce emissions.

The Report's authors have failed to understand that the $15.4 billion carbon tax had negligible impacts on emissions. They also failed to take into account the fact that the $2.55 billion Emissions Reduction Fund has already delivered 47 million tonnes of actual abatement.

Australia is also on track to have 23.5 per cent of its electricity sourced through renewable energy. The Report's authors have not addressed this.

Australia is committed to doing its fair share, and will announce a post-2020 emissions reduction target by mid-year, well ahead of the Paris climate conference in December.

We are working with other countries to deliver a strong and effective climate agreement in Paris. And we are delivering practical climate change assistance, including through our $200 million contribution to the Green Climate Fund and overseas aid program.