The Australian Government today announced the second independent review of its Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000.
I am delighted to appoint Marsden Jacob Associates as the independent reviewer. Marsden Jacob will partner with Pacific Environment/Toxicos for the review.
The two firms bring with them a wealth of experience on the assessment of environmental regulation.
Fuel quality standards place limits on substances in fuel that, when burnt in vehicles’ engines and expelled through an engine or vehicle’s exhaust, can adversely affect people’s health and the environment.
The Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 provides the legislative basis for national fuel quality and fuel quality information standards in Australia.
By world standards, Australia has very clean air but it is important to review our current legislative framework for fuel quality to ensure we continue to have effective, efficient and appropriate means to support a clean air future.
Road transport emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in our urban communities. Since 2000, the number of vehicles on Australia’s roads has increased by around a third and better fuel quality and emissions standards has ensured some good progress has been made.
The more we know about the effects of air pollution, the more important it is that fuel quality and emissions are effectively managed.
As the Australian community has interests in the environmental and vehicle operability issues relating to fuel quality, industry, businesses and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input into the review.
It is expected a final report will be provided to the Government by November. The review will complement activities under the National Clean Air Agreement, which is currently being developed.
The review is also in line with the government’s deregulation agenda which aims to reduce regulatory burden while achieving environmental outcomes.
Further information on national fuel quality and fuel quality information standards and how to contribute to the Review is available at www.environment.gov.au/fuelquality
(ENDS)