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Coalition of businesses support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy

Australia, 13 April 2011 - Companies from a range of industries including GE, AGL, Linfox, Fujitsu Australia Ltd., BP, Better Place, IKEA, Kell & Rigby, Alstom, Pottinger, ARTC and Pacific Hydro today released a joint statement to back a carbon price.
Pledging support for the introduction of a mechanism to put a price on carbon, the coalition of businesses presented a united front to encourage all members of Parliament to take positive action and assist Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

In a joint statement, the companies said:

“As major Australian and international corporations and representative associations operating across the Australian economy we strongly support the introduction of a well-designed carbon price to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Australia must aim to be globally competitive in clean energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon technology. Pricing carbon is critical to providing business certainty and unlocking the jobs and investment that will accompany the transition to a prosperous, cleaner and internationally-competitive economy.
As the costs of action are outweighed by the costs of delay the carbon price should be implemented as soon as possible. A price should be accompanied by appropriate transitional assistance for households and trade-exposed industry, as well as complementary measures that reduce emissions at least economic cost.

We look forward to working with the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee and all members of Parliament as they implement a carbon price.”


The companies listed in this release are currently signatories to this statement and urge others to join them. A second group of small and medium-sized enterprises is currently forming to further endorse the statement.

The organisations represent a diverse range of industries including infrastructure, IT, energy, capital, construction and resources.

The coalition is urging more businesses to pledge their support and work with the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee to shape a carbon price mechanism which will promote investment in cleaner business practices, improve international competitiveness, grow more jobs and help Australia reduce its carbon intensity.
To join the coalition, contact Ben Waters, Commercial Director, GE:ben.waters@ge.com

List of participating companies and associations

AGL
Alstom
ARTC
ARUP
Australasian Railway Association
Better Place
Big Switch Projects
BP
Catholic Super
Consult Australia
Ecosave
Fujitsu Australia Limited
IKEA
Johnson Controls
Kell & Rigby
Linfox
Local Government Super
Pacific Hydro
pitt&sherry
Pottinger
WestNet Rail


Media contacts:
Joanne Woo
GE
(02) 9324 7467
joanne.woo@ge.com

Jessica Power
n2n communications
02 9213 2301
0426 266 732
jpower@n2n.com.au