Australian Federal Election 2013: Implications for Mining, Energy and Natural Resources

Abstract

In September 2013, Australia elected a new federal coalition government. Before the election, the coalition made a number of specific commitments regarding energy and natural resources. While the government is yet to release a comprehensive strategy for energy and minerals, its policy is focused on traditional fuels, with a commitment to restoring the profitability of coal power stations, and increasing coal and gas exports and exploration for oil, gas and minerals. In contrast, climate change is a low priority, with the coalition intending to abolish a number of the previous Labor government’s initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This commentary explains the legislative and political constraints that may affect the government’s ability to achieve its promises, outlines the coalition’s major commitments in relation to natural resources and their prospects for success and concludes with some general comments on the implications for Australia of the coalition’s policy in regard to energy and climate change.

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Notes on contributors

Alexandra S Wawryk

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Alex Wawryk is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s Law School, where she teaches Mining and Energy Law, International Energy Law and Contract Law, and previously taught Environmental Law. In 2013 she held a Barbara Kidman Research Fellowship at the University of Adelaide. She has first class Honours degrees in Economics and Law, a PhD in Law from the University of Adelaide and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia. She is an Associate Editor for the online journal OGEL (Oil Gas and Energy Law Intelligence Service) and a member of the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mining, Energy and Resources; the Australian Natural Resources and Energy Law Association (AMPLA); and the IUCN’s Commission of Environmental Law specialist group on renewable energy. She has been a Committee Member of the South Australian Law Society’s Planning, Environment and Local Government Committee, and the Environmental Defenders Office (SA). Dr Wawryk is currently a Fellow of Adelaide University’s Indo-Pacific Governance Research Centre. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].