FACTBOX: Timeline for Australian carbon trading
CANBERRA (Reuters) - The following is a chronology of events leading up to Australia's commitment to adopt a carbon emissions trading system, as well as a timeline for decisions remaining before the plan is finalized.
2007 - Former conservative government of John Howard proposes carbon trading by 2012, and promises a 15 percent clean energy target by 2020, up from its old target of 2 percent. His government announces a phase-out of incandescent light bulbs. But he refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
- Labor's Kevin Rudd promises to ratify Kyoto, introduce carbon trading by 2010, and set a 20 percent renewable energy target by 2020. Labor also promises to cut emissions by 60 percent of 2000 levels by 2050, but does not set an interim emissions target for 2020.
November 24 - Rudd leads the left-leaning Labor Party to victory at national elections, ending nearly 12 years of conservative rule.
December 3 - Rudd is sworn into office, and immediately signs documents to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Penny Wong is appointed Minister for Climate Change.
2008 March - Government-industry consultations start on emissions trading.
July 4 - Government adviser Ross Garnaut, an economics professor, releases his draft report on carbon trading after a 15-month inquiry.
July 16 - Climate Change Minister Penny Wong releases green paper on policy options for carbon trading.
September - Final Garnaut report due by September 30.
October - Treasury modeling on the economic impact of carbon trading to be sent to government.
December - Public release of draft legislation. Government expected to announce emissions target for 2020.
2009 March to July - Carbon emissions laws considered by parliament.
- Ongoing consultation on carbon trading regulations. New laws to come into force in third quarter, 2009, and regulator to be established.
2010 July 1 - Carbon trading to start.
