There are only a few days left for businesses and members of the public to submit responses to the Federal Government in relation to the proposed architecture and implementation arrangements for a carbon pricing mechanism.

Submissions to the Federal Government (via the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency) in relation to the mechanism must be submitted by Tuesday 10 May 2011.

The Multi-Party Climate Change Committee will conduct further discussions on the starting figure for the carbon price, assistance arrangements for households, communities and industry and assistance and support for low emissions technology and innovation.

The Committee comprises Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Treasurer Wayne Swan, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet, Greens Senators Christine Milne and Bob Brown, and independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott in consultation with a select panel of experts including Professor Garnaut.

Also to be examined will be issues on the flexibility of arrangements allowing for a transition from a carbon price to a cap and trade scheme, the availability of carbon credits to be traded on the international market, the sectors of industry that are to be covered by the carbon pricing mechanism and how (and whether) those sectors are to receive coverage on a phased in basis or on the basis of intensity of use.

For further information in relation to the carbon pricing mechanism, please see the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website here.

For assistance or any advice in relation to the proposed carbon pricing mechanism or in relation to preparing any submissions to the multi-party Climate Change Committee, please contact HopgoodGanim Lawyers Climate Change Team.

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