ACOSS Reports & Submissions
Climate
August 2011
This report reviews those parts of The Clean Energy Future package which most directly affect people on low incomes and the community service sector. In particular, we assess the adequacy of household assistance proposed to offset higher prices flowing from the package, as forecast in modelling by The Treasury. Based on these data, the package introduces a price on carbon and begins our adjustment to a low carbon economy, without adversely affecting people on low incomes - according to ACOSS. Read the full report >>
August 2011
The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) is an alliance of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Council of Social Service and The Climate Institute. We are committed to reducing Australia's dependence on carbon pollution and promoting solutions to climate change.
The SCCC welcomes the Clean Energy Future package as a critical first step forward on climate change in Australia. The price on pollution and its complementary measures lay the foundation for reducing emissions and remaining competitive in the emerging global low pollution economy.
In November 2010 the SCCC outlined four foundations to drive a fair and inclusive transition to a low pollution economy. Here we present an assessment of the Clean Energy Future package against those foundations and against our April 2011 detailed policy platform for a low pollution economy.
June 2011
Improved energy use-efficiency presents significant opportunities for individual households and for the wider community. This document outlines proposals for two national projects that would increase residential energy efficiency and bring a range of benefits.
Objectives:
• To minimise energy bills for Australian households
• To increase energy efficiency and thereby reduce the need for new generation and network investment
• To incentivise greater uptake of energy efficiency by low-income and financially stressed households and by the owners of rental properties (public and private)
• To provide specific support for low-income and financially stressed households that are at risk of fuel poverty
• To implement efficient, effective and safe programs for energy efficiency
May 2011
The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) is an alliance of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the
Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Council of Social Service and The Climate Institute. We
are committed to reducing our economy's dependence on carbon pollution and promoting solutions to
climate change.
Over the coming months Australia's political leaders have an opportunity to lay the policy foundations for a
prosperous, fair and competitive low pollution economy. These policies should aim to:
- reduce our economy's dependence on pollution;
- ensure fair and inclusive action on climate change;
- unlock new clean energy jobs and industries; and
- strengthen global action.
April 2011
ACOSS strongly supports the proposal to put a price on carbon pollution and has released this paper to outline our clear position on the form household compensation should take as part of our involvement in the important process to get the mechanism right. This paper argues that low income households should be given direct cash assistance that is properly indexed to meet real cost of living increases, and this should be based on essential expenditure not income because of the inequities in Australia's tax and transfer systems.
August 2010
Summary Paper and Presentations
More than 60 consumer, welfare, environment and government representatives participated in Water Reform - A National Consumer Forum, in Melbourne on 3 July 2009. The Forum was presented by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) with the aim of building knowledge about national water reform issues and considering strategies for increasing consumer consultation and engagement with the Federal Government.Summary Paper and Presentations.
August 2010
ACOSS' Election Platform outlines key priorities to build a fair Australia which ensures people on low incomes are not excluded because of social or economic disadvantage. We are calling for commitments from our political leaders on issues including: Work and income support; Affordable Housing; Oral health; Indigenous; Tax; Climate change; and measures to Strengthen the Community Sector.
August 2009
Energy and Equity, a report produced by Australia's leading environmental, consumer and welfare organisations, says energy efficiency is potentially the quickest and cheapest way to cut greenhouse pollution. Energy savings of 30% are possible using immediately available effective technologies. The report recommends that efficiency improvements be complemented by appropriate utility tariffs and safety net measures.
The report, a joint project between the Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Conservation Foundation and CHOICE, says five percent of existing homes should be retrofitted each year with energy and water saving technologies such as insulation, solar hot water and rainwater tanks to offset inevitable increases in utility prices resulting from emissions trading and other factors.
August 2009
The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) has been formed by some of Australia's leading social, union, environmental and independent research organisations to help lead an effective and fair response to climate change.
November 2008
ACOSS welcomes the release of the Climate Institute's Institute's Energy Efficiency Policy Paper. This energy efficiency strategy outlines a plan where 40,000 jobs could be created; as well as saving almost two dollars a day on household energy bills.
