Departments and ministers

Domestic action

Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's second ministry was announced on 11 September 2010. The Hon. Greg Combet AM MP was appointed Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. As a Cabinet Minister, Mr Combet is to drive Australia's international climate change negotiations, be responsible for the establishment of Australia's first national emissions trading scheme and co-chair the multi party climate change committee. Located within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio, the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency delivers programs under the Australian Government's climate change strategy. Under the Administrative Arrangements Order (AAO) matters dealt with by the Department include:

Development and coordination of domestic and international climate change policy.
International climate change negotiations.
Design and implementation of emissions trading.
Mandatory renewable energy target policy, regulation and coordination.
Greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting and abatement.
Climate change adaptation strategy and coordination.
Coordination of climate change science activities.
Renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

The Hon. Tony Burke MP was appointed Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and will work with Mr Combet in this capacity. The newly configured Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and support a shift to sustainable communities. The AAO sets out matters dealt with by the Department.