Galvanising the public sector into action

Can governments be trusted to ensure the public sector acts responsibly by doing all it can to reduce CO2 emissions? What should we be expecting governments to do in this regard? Is the public sector willing to do anything or will it simply pass on higher operating costs to end-users - you and me?

The public sector and most of its many publicly owned businesses are monopolistic in character. They are not renowned for being either efficient or keenly competitive. They can and do pass on higher operating costs to their customers rather than explore and adopt ways of reducing overheads, such as energy costs.

There are a number of ways in which the public sector can - and sometimes does - act to reduce CO2 pollution and operating costs. The fact that governments refuse to tell the public what they are doing to achieve these outcomes is not conclusive evidence that they are doing little or nothing, but it is a pretty good indicator that this may be the case.

The thin green line: Climate change and Australian policing

This report examines the implications of climate change for Australia's police forces and officers. It is written by Anthony Bergin and Ross Allen. The report has a number of recommendations including the creation of an information hub and the development of risk assessments of the locations that will be most affected by climate change as part of a multi-agency strategic approach to climate change adaptation.

Who are the (un)intended losers from emissions trading?

David Richardson / The Australia Institute
The Introduction of an Emissions Trading Scheme has the potential to significantly reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, but the issue of which groups should be compensated, and by how much, is yet to be addressed. Posted 23-09-2008

Fed: Rail the environmentally sensible solution: industry

15/08/2008 - Rail industry lobbyists say a revamp of Victoria's rail network is crucial for the economy and the environment.

The Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development met in Melbourne on Thursday to discuss the problems - and solutions - facing the sector.

Tim Fischer, chairman of the Rail Freight Network Review Committee, told the alliance the world was now back to a "sensible" use of rail.

Climate change law

Climate change law for planners, developers, local government and greenies: a quick stock take and some ideas for the future
Philippa England / Urban Research Centre, Griffith University
This paper describes some of the main achievements to date by Australian institutions in addressing climate change and proposes a principled framework through which these and other relevant ideas, initiatives, policies and measures may be organised and rationalised. Posted 08-08-2008