Australia is now closer than ever to a clean energy future, with the bills to put a price on carbon and invest in clean, renewable energy being debated in the Senate.

These bills, which wouldn't have happened without the Greens, are a vital first step to tackle the climate crisis and transform our economy. From now on, the biggest polluters will have to pay for their impact on the climate, meaning investors will be more likely to put their money into cleaner alternatives like highly efficient plant and buildings and baseload solar power stations. The funds from the price on pollution will be invested in rolling out clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency, protecting our forests and the carbon in our soils, and helping householders and businesses meet rising costs.

Senator Milne today welcomed to parliament representatives from communities across the country who are saying yes to the carbon price. You can hear audio of the press conference here.

You can read Christine's Second Reading speech on the bills here.

Christine Milne, 8th November 2011

The carbon price is law. Now begins the campaign for serious climate action!

Today we celebrate a huge achievement, with the passage of the Clean Energy Future legislation that finally puts a price on pollution and gets us ready for historical investments in clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency and protection of landscape carbon.

But, in a very real way, today's vote is a new beginning for the campaign for serious climate action, not the end.

This package of bills was designed carefully to have as many points of review as possible, as many opportunities for campaigning as possible, and as much independent expert advice as possible. Critically, it is designed with complete upward flexibility: there is no limit to our ambition if we are ready to aim high.

The challenge now is to build the political will for ambitious, science-based action over the years ahead.

Continue Reading