TACKLING climate change could be a huge opportunity for industry if it is managed properly by government according to the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU).
Sixty-three per cent of the 150 delegates attending the AMWU National Conference in Newcastle agree that the government should take action on climate change even if it results in higher energy prices according to a poll released last week.
National Secretary, Dave Oliver, announced that a comprehensive paper will be presented during the conference outlining the threats and opportunities to the manufacturing sector presented by climate change initiatives.
“This issue can be tackled at home, can be tackled at the workplace, it can be tackled on an industry level. There certainly is a role for our members to play and they are certainly keen to play a role.”
He also suggested that the Federal Government should consider imposing a carbon tariff on imports from countries not signing up to climate change agreements, saying this would act both as an incentive for other countries to implement similar climate change initiatives, and would also serve to financially protect Australian manufacturers from countries not participating in these programs.