The Uniting Church in Australia has congratulated the Government and members of the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee on the announcement of a price on pollution. The Church welcomes the strong package of measures as the most important step towards a clean economy and a sustainable future.

Rev AIistair Macrae, President of the Church said, “When the Uniting Church was inaugurated in 1977 we pledged to the nation that we would be a voice urging the protection of the environment and the wise use of the earth’s resources.

“I am pleased to see the Australian Government finally announce a strong program for addressing dangerous climate change and moving Australia to a clean energy future.

“The Uniting Church believes that strong and swift action on climate change is indeed one of the greatest moral challenges of our time. As Christians, we believe that God’s will for the earth is for renewal and reconciliation, not destruction by human beings,” said Alistair.

Rev Elenie Poulos, National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, has particularly commended the package of measures for:

• the compensation packages for low income households and vulnerable Australians
• the commitments aimed at supporting the research, development and use of renewable energies, and
• the multiple programs supporting Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy and sustainable future.

Alistair said, “Our hope is that Australia may show leadership in successful climate change policy and bold innovation in renewable technologies.”