CLIMATE CHANGE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (24 July 2013).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): As the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation I have received this advice:

Legislated reviews of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 are tabled in parliament and then published on the Government of South Australia website. Two separate review processes are required.

Under section 21 of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007, a review of its operation, including the extent to which objects of the Act are being achieved, must be undertaken on a four-yearly basis.

The first review occurred in 2009. It found that there was a range of issues that could affect the operation of the Act that were unclear at the time.

The Premier's Climate Change Council therefore advised that the second review should occur after two years. The government agreed to this recommendation and undertook a second review in 2011.

The final report was completed in December 2011. In accordance with the Act, a copy of the report on the review, Premier's Climate Change Council advice and the Ministerial response were laid before both houses of Parliament on 28 February 2012.

In accordance with the requirements of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 the next scheduled review under section 21 of the Act will occur in 2015.

Section 7 of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 requires a report on the operation of the Act on a two-yearly basis, including an assessment of progress being made towards targets under the Act. The 2009 report, and every alternate subsequent report, must include a report from the CSIRO on targets set under the Act.

The 2009 and 2011 reports have been completed and are available from the Government of South Australia website.