A media release from the Clean Energy Council of Australia today announced the good news that almost 85 companies including Infigen, Grocon, and The Body Shop have signed a joint statement backing a price on carbon;

The Business Statement

“As major Australian and international  corporations and representative associations operating across the Australian economy we strongly support the introduction of a well-designed carbon price to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Australia must aim to be globally competitive in clean energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon technology. Pricing carbon is critical to providing business certainty and unlocking the jobs and investment that will accompany the transition to a prosperous, cleaner and internationally-competitive economy.

As the costs of action are outweighed by the costs of delay the carbon price should be implemented as soon as possible. A price should be accompanied by appropriate transitional assistance for households and business, as well as complementary measures that reduce emissions at least economic cost.

We look forward to working with the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee and all members of Parliament as they implement a carbon price.”

The companies join previous signatories including GE, AGL, Fujitsu, IKEA, Alstom and Pacific Hydro, and the combined businesses represent a wide variety of sectors from across the economy including infrastructure, energy, capital, technology and retail. They have united behind the statement to encourage all members of Parliament to take positive action and assist Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

These businesses all agree that a carbon price with cost effective complementary measures is critical to reducing Australia’s emissions and ensuring Australia remains globally competitive as the rest of the world reduces their emissions.

The new wave of businesses signing the statement coincides with the launch of a website called Business for a Clean Economy. This has been developed out of concern that many businesses are not being represented in the current carbon price debate.

The site will allow other businesses, no matter what their size or industry, to show their support for a price on carbon. Current signatories are urging more businesses to sign the statement through the new website:  www.b4ce.com.au

A decision on carbon tax pricing is expected to finally be announced on Sunday, and the next four months will see carbon price legislation drafted and debated in Parliament.

Public as well as business support will continue to provide an important voice in the debate!