Australian High Commission
Canada
Address: Suite 710, 50 O'Connor Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2 - Tel: 613-236-0841 - Fax: 613-236-4376

MEDIA RELEASE

19 May 2009

AUSTRALIA TO JOIN INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY

On 17 May, the Australian Government announced that Australia will become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency. The decision underlines Australia’s commitment to tackling climate change by taking a global leadership role in reducing carbon pollution and supporting innovation.

The Rudd Government has invested $4.5 billion in solar power and other clean energy initiatives. The investment is designed to establish Australia as a world leader in alternative energy technologies.

The Government’s investment includes:

.  $2.4 billion in low emissions coal technologies;

.  $1.6 billion in solar technologies;

.  $465 million to establish Renewables Australia to support leading-edge technology research and commercialisation.

These investments will also increase Australia’s clean energy generation, reduce carbon pollution, and support thousands of new low pollution jobs by stimulating economic activity.