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Webinar: net zero by 2050, will transport be a lifter or a leaner?

10 September 2021

Transport contributes about 20 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and those emissions are not projected to fall anytime soon.

So, what practical policies could Australian governments adopt to ensure we lower transport emissions without pushing up costs or restricting our driving preferences?

Hosted by Grattan Institute’s Tony Wood, an expert panel discusses the options and consider important questions: how do Australians get access to the widest range of the cheapest and cleanest cars, and what does this mean for those who currently produce transport fuels for cars, trucks, and aviation. 

Explore our reading list on the topic to continue your learning.

About the speakers

  • Sandra Lau has more than 15 years in the resources industry in mining and downstream oil and gas, and has worked across five Australian states and two continents. 
  • Tony Weber is the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Prior to this position, Tony worked in the Industry Department for 15 years.
  • James Ha is an Associate at Grattan Institute. In the Energy and Climate Change Program, he developed an economic model of the National Electricity Market, published on the feasibility of achieving net-zero emissions in the electricity sector, and analysed green manufacturing opportunities for Australia, particularly using hydrogen to produce low-emissions steel. 

About the moderator

Tony Wood has been Director of the Energy Program since 2011 after 14 years working at Origin Energy in senior executive roles. From 2009 to 2014 he was also Program Director of Clean Energy Projects at the Clinton Foundation, advising governments in the Asia-Pacific region on effective deployment of large-scale, low-emission energy technologies. In 2008, he was seconded to provide an industry perspective to the first Garnaut climate change review.

About the Policy Pitch

In this engaging seminar series a panel of experts and thinkers tackle some of the most important problems facing Australia, from cultural hot-button topics to pressing social concerns. Join us for lively, intelligent and thoughtful debate on subjects that impact us all.

The Policy Pitch is a joint initiative of State Library Victoria and Grattan Institute, an independent think tank dedicated to developing high-quality public policy for Australia’s future.

Watch past webinars