A presentation and Q&A session on the ‘Clean Energy Future’
A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend a presentation and Q&A session on the ‘Clean Energy Future’, where the main speaker was our Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Mr. Wayne Swan (thank you, sick colleague!). The ‘Clean Energy Future’ is the plan proposed by the Federal Government that aims to cut carbon pollution, promote innovation in renewable energy, move the energy sector away from high polluting sources and store millions of tonnes of carbon in land. According to the Government’s ‘Clean Energy Future’ information website, the Plan includes “introducing a price on carbon, promoting innovation and investment in renewable energy, encouraging energy efficiency and creating opportunities in the land sector to cut pollution”. The event was held in Melbourne at the Arts Centre, and was hosted by Green Capital. Caroline Bayliss, the Australian Director of the Climate Group chaired the Q&A session and the Panel discussion.
The event bought together all sorts of people, from business to politics to sustainability; all eager to hear what Mr. Swan had to say about the Clean Energy Future, and in particular the proposed carbon price. Mr. Swan spoke quite candidly, explaining what he thought it would mean for Australian industries, businesses and households, and what he hoped it would achieve in the long run. After listening to our Deputy PM speak, we were given the opportunity to ask Mr. Swan questions, some of which were pretty pointy!
After the presentation and Q&A session, a panel of experts was set up to discuss ‘What’s next for a sustainable future?’ Laura Eadie, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Development; Francis Grey, Head of Australian Research for Sustainable Asset Management Australia; Simon O’Connor, Economic Advisor for the Australian Conservation Foundation; and Freddie Sharpe, CEO of Climate Friendly all offered us their unique insight and perspective on the Clean Energy Future and the proposed carbon price.
Listening to our Deputy Prime Minister and some of our leaders in the fields of environment and sustainability speak made for a very interesting morning. Broad questions around ‘how will business start to change if it costs more to pollute and there are market rewards for being clean?’, ‘who will deliver the investment, innovation and infrastructure to enable the transformation to a low-pollution, sustainable economy?’ and ‘can the political system sustain the effort over the decades?’ were posed to Mr. Swan and the Panel.
I came away from the morning with mixed feelings – positive about the push by the Government to become a more sustainable Australia, but disappointed by some elements of the discussion. Mr. Swan was quite candid in his speaking, and it was refreshing to hear more on the subject than just a manipulated media cast. It was also a privilege to hear one of our country’s leaders speak in person. However, I thought he gave ‘politicians answers’ when questioned by the audience, and it was disappointing to hear him refer to opposition politicians in such a disrespectful manner. The Panel of experts gave interesting insights and perspectives, and clearly pointed out what they thought would work, wouldn’t work, and what they thought should be done. Their analysis of the perceived shortfalls of the Clean Energy Future and the carbon price, and ideas for shaking up the energy industry, made good food for thought. It would have made for a more interesting discussion if there were someone on the Panel who was a bit more of a ‘devils advocate’ though!
Spirited political discussion, the Arts Centre and a hot breakfast. What more can a young sustainability professional want first thing on a cold Melbourne morning?
More information about the Clean Energy Future:
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