The Federal Government has released a report analyzing the extent to which existing regulatory frameworks support action by major infrastructure sectors in adapting to climate change.

 

The report, The Role of Regulation in Facilitating or Constraining Adaptation to Climate Change for Australian Infrastructure, was developed by Maddocks Solicitors for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

 

Acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Chris Evans, noted that coupled with action to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution, scientific advice showed there would be increased risks to infrastructure from the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

 

“This report identifies areas within broad regulatory regimes where issues may arise in the future. It makes suggestions for further analysis by governments, regulators and owners of infrastructure assets,” Senator Evans said.

 

The report investigates the regulation of infrastructure assets in the electricity, transport and telecommunications sector.

 

It also examines the ability of planning regimes, environmental impact assessment and government procurement processes to take into account risks arising from climate change.

 

The report will supplement work being undertaken by the Productivity Commission in its current inquiry into regulatory and policy barriers to climate change adaptation.

 

The report can be found here