The federal government has introduced a bill to parliament which will provide stronger measures to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Reform (Closing the Hole in the Ozone Layer) Bill 2022 will modernise and streamline Australia’s laws to manage ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
Australia’s ozone legislation controls the import and use of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases which are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, fire protection, aerosols and insulating foam.
The control and phase-out of ozone gases stems from the highly successful Montreal Protocol which was ratified by Australia in 1989.
Some ozone depleting chemicals to be managed by the legislation are also synthetic greenhouse gases, primarily hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide.
HFCs make up only two per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions but their use is growing rapidly because of increasing demand for air conditioning.
The government is working closely with industry to phase down the use of HFCs by 85 per cent between 2018-2036.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said after years of delay on climate policy Australians are asking for real action. “
“By working together, across national boundaries, we can move away from refrigerants that damage our shared environment.,” she said.
“The Montreal Protocol provides concrete proof that global cooperation can heal the planet. It is the world’s most successful international environmental treaty.”
As part of the phase down Australia is committed to assisting neighbours in the Pacific offering technician training and providing information about managing the transition to newer gases and equipment to reduce emissions.