Business now has certainty about the kinds of technologies the government will back to drive down emissions, delivering confidence to invest and create new jobs for the future, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
“This roadmap forms an important part of the nation’s long term strategy to meet our international commitments.
“Clean and affordable energy will help Australia create the new jobs we will need to fuel our recovery by attracting new investment, new industries and new businesses to Australia.
“This announcement helps position us as an energy superpower at home and in overseas markets by underpinning our future competitiveness and giving Australian innovation new export opportunities.
“The Technology Roadmap is firmly focussed on achieving a critical end goal, a more carbon efficient economy that makes Australia a more competitive place to do business and employ people.
“Crucially, clear targets acknowledge the need to make new and innovative technologies cost competitive. A focus on new technologies that will support new investment and jobs in our regions will be welcome news for Australians outside our cities.
“We welcome the acknowledgment that partnerships between government and business will be needed to accelerate the transition to a lower emissions economy and clean energy future.
“We also welcome the appointment of experts from across the economy to the Minister’s Reference Panel, including former Business Council president Grant King, board member and Coca-Cola Amatil Managing Director Alison Watkins and Business Council member and Macquarie Group CEO Shemara Wikramanayake.”
