On the imminent passage of the Future Made in Australia legislation, the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Chief Executive Kelly O’Shanassy said:
“In a rapidly changing global energy landscape, the Future Made in Australia package provides a strong foundation for Australia to establish world-leading renewable-powered manufacturing and export industries.
“Right now, Australia is fuelling global heating through our coal and gas exports, but with Future Made in Australia, we can export climate solutions, not pollution.
“ACF commends the Greens, crossbenchers and the government for reaching an agreement and making sure coal, oil and gas cannot be funded through Future Made in Australia.
“As the world moves away from fossil fuels, it is critical the government’s Future Made in Australia funding is directed only towards genuinely clean industries that will drive Australia’s future prosperity.
“It would be a travesty if Future Made in Australia was used to greenwash carbon capture and storage – a technology designed to extend the use-by dates for dirty coal and gas.
“There should be no further government handouts to fossil fuels – it’s outrageous that the Federal government remains committed to a $1.9 billion dollar subsidy for the Middle Arm gas precinct.
“The Future Made in Australia reforms are a display of meaningful climate action, but it is deeply disappointing the Albanese government has squandered the opportunity to pass its nature positive bills.
“Until Australia tackles both the climate and nature crises, the places and animals we love will be pushed further to the brink of destruction and extinction.”
