Existing Climate Change Programs 

Through the department, the Australian Government has already implemented a number of initiatives to assist business and industry address the impacts of climate change.

Clean21: The Future of Manufacturing is the Australian Government's strategy for working with industry to cut emissions, consumption and costs, while improving jobs, global competitiveness and the way work is organised. It is all about helping businesses turn necessity into opportunity in the interests of a sustainable future for Australia.

As part of Clean21, the Clean Technology Innovation Network pools the specialised knowledge of Business Advisers, companies and researchers to help businesses find ways to cut energy, water and material consumption, plan for change and adopt new technologies that will help businesses reduce their environmental impact.

The Australian Government provides broad-based programs that help business and industry address the impacts of climate change:

• The R&D Tax Incentive provides support to companies in all industry and technology sectors to undertake research and development.
• Enterprise Connect offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium-sized businesses to help them transform and reach their full potential. A network of 12 centres located across Australia provides small and medium businesses with access to specialist expertise and the best available technical and business resources.
• Commercialisation Australia assists innovative companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs in all industry sectors to convert intellectual property into commercial ventures. It provides a range of tailored assistance measures for specialist advice and services, proof of concept and early stage commercialisation activities.