Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the new legislation gives industry certainty and puts Australia on a path to a new energy future, which universities are helping build.

“Meeting the Government’s emissions reduction targets will require the transformation of industry, continual investment in technology, upskilling our workforce, and greater collaboration between government, universities, business, and communities,” Ms Jackson said.

“Universities are up to the challenge. Every day, students and scholars in our universities across Australia come together to tackle our toughest problems.

“Climate change and the global energy transition is right up there, and universities are dealing with this challenge head on.

“Our world-class universities are generating the ideas and technological breakthroughs that are driving our energy transition.

“Universities produce the highly-skilled graduates and technological and social innovation that Australia needs more than ever before.

“University research has already laid the foundation for so much of what we know about climate change and how we best tackle and adapt to it.

“Our researchers have brought us studies and findings that have helped us understand the real threat of climate change if left unaddressed, and innovation like home warning systems to protect people during extreme weather events.

“Similarly, universities are unlocking the doors to a clean energy economy – helping develop important initiatives like solar farms and electric vehicle research facilities.

“In times of great challenge and opportunity, Australia needs to build its resilience by investing in the things we know can achieve real outcomes.

“At the top of the list is researchers working in universities and with government and industry to deliver results for the nation.”