How can we make Australia more self-reliant when it comes to energy?

We also need a non-political public communication strategy on climate change and National Competition Council assessment of government performance to include greenhouse reduction. And financial and technological assistance should be given to newly industrialised countries and small island states that are especially prone to climate change.

To reduce greenhouse emissions from the electricity sector, the Democrats will mandate tighter national emission and efficiency standards in existing coal and gas-fired power stations as well as the world's best practice for newly commissioned generators.

To reduce greenhouse emissions from the transport sector the Democrats are committed to reforming mandatory fuel efficiency standards for all new vehicles and automotive industry taxes to encourage fuel-efficient vehicles. We would also like to see registration fee incentives for fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid petrol-electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The Democrats are committed to creating a sustainable energy economy through implementing a domestic emissions trading scheme, starting with government departments.

This would incorporate a small carbon levy ($10/tonne of carbon dioxide) on all energy used within government departments with revenue used for energy efficiency programs and proactive greenhouse programs. Long-term financial incentives should be provided for people to install wind or solar equipment and removing direct and indirect public subsidies to fossil-fuel based energy production and supply.

The Democrats are committed to implementing progressive strategies that will lead to greater national and regional energy self-reliance and removing market barriers to a commercially viable renewable energy industry. The Democrats would make energy efficiency a national goal by incorporating principles of eco-design and energy efficiency into the development of transportation, settlements, buildings and industries.

We are committed to protecting our native forests through banning the use of "wood waste" from native forests to produce electricity and ending broadscale land clearing in order to increase our store of carbon.

The Democrats believe that Australia's current energy policy is flawed, and does not give adequate scope for the use of renewable energy sources, does not sufficiently advocate energy efficiency, and ensures Australia will rely heavily on fossil fuels. In light of global moves towards energy efficiency we believe substantial directional changes need to come from Australia's governments on energy policy. We must no longer live in the 1950s as far as energy use and generation is concerned.