GrainGrowers welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Interim report – Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation. GrainGrowers has responded to recommendations relating to the expansion of the Safeguard Mechanism (draft recommendation 1.2), emissions reduction incentives for heavy vehicles (draft recommendation 1.3), the integration of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) into all national emissions-reduction policies (draft recommendation 1.4), and the reform of national environmental laws (draft recommendation 2.1).
GrainGrowers is a national organisation working to enhance the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers. GrainGrowers achieves this through focus areas of policy and advocacy, grower engagement, thought leadership and active investment in future focused activities for all growers. Australian growers are at the heart of all that GrainGrowers does and the focus of its work.
It is critical to ensure that the net zero transformation does not inadvertently undermine the long-term viability and productivity of Australia’s grain production. Expansion of policies such as the Safeguard Mechanism, or the integration of ACCUs into all national emissions-reduction policies, risks exacerbating the overreliance on land-based carbon offsets which could have unintended consequences for the agricultural sector and food security. Any updates to these policies must focus on encouraging direct emissions reduction first to ensure the agricultural sector is not expected to do the heavy lifting to offset emissions from other sectors that carry on with business as usual. Further, policies for incentivising emissions reduction for heavy vehicles must recognise the diversity of the heavy vehicle industry, be technology neutral and allow for adequate lead times.
GrainGrowers looks forward to working with the Productivity Commission on this topic. Should we be able to provide further assistance or if there are any enquiries relating to this submission please contact Rebecca Hurst – Policy Manager, Sustainability and Natural Resource Management at ua.moc.sreworgniarg@tsruh.acceber
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