Previous Media Releases and News

2008

Celebrating World Environment Day, Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced three new initiatives to help householders save energy and money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Media Release 5 June 2008.
The energy efficiency of electrical and gas appliances will be improved over the next four years under a $14.0 million Rudd Labor Government scheme to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett said today. Media Release 13 May 2008.

2007

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, and Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, today welcomed the successful conclusion of the second Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, in which Canada formally joined the Partnership. Media Release 16 October 2007.
World first! Australia slashes greenhouse gases from inefficient lighting: Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP recently announced a world first: the Australian Government is taking action to phase out inefficient light bulbs. The step, announced on 20 February 2007 by the Minister, should reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012. The reduction in emissions will increase as the phase out progresses and the annual average reduction between 2008-2012 is estimated at around 800,000 tonnes. For more details see the Media Release dated 20 February 2007. More information on compact fluorescent lamps can be found on the Australian Greenhouse Office website www.greenhouse.gov.au/energy/cfls/index.html.

2006

Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell and Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane recently announced that Australia will lead the world in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 'standby' power in electrical appliances. The Australian Government will work with state governments and industry to ensure, by 2012, all electrical appliances would be regulated to meet the ‘one watt target’. Media Release 8 November 2006.
ACCC orders LG to compensate consumers over misleading energy ratings. Up to $3.1 million will be available in rebates for eligible consumers who bought five popular LG Electronics Australia Pty Ltd air conditioner models that did not comply with the energy efficiency values claimed on rating labels.
Electrolux has released a statement that it is to scale back Australian manufacturing operations with a decision to close its washer/dryer and dishwasher plants in Adelaide over the next 18 months. Production will be moved gradually to other Electrolux factories. Media release 14 September 2006.
Energy Safety Week is from Monday, 31 July - Friday, 4 August 2006

2005

New Queensland homes forced to lift efficiency: New homes in Queensland will use less water and energy from next year after changes to building regulations were finalised. The changes include requirements for new houses to use energy efficient hot water systems (solar, gas or electric heat pumps), energy-efficient lighting, AAA-rated shower roses, dual-flush toilets and water pressure-limiting devices. About 40,000 new homes are built in the state each year. The changes come into effect from March 2006.
The full press release 2 August 2005.
Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria has released a statement which covers information about Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for refrigerators, including the new more stringent MEPS requirements which came into effect on 1 January 2005. Media release 1 February 2005.

2004

In December 2004 the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) released several papers including strategies to reduce the energy used by gas appliances and lighting products. These strategies are an important component of the National Framework on Energy Efficiency (NFEE) appliances and equipment package. More details are available on the Ministerial Council on Energy website.
The WA Deputy Premier, Treasurer & Minister for Energy, The Hon. Eric Ripper, MLA announced the State Government is to join a national crackdown on energy-wasting electrical equipment. Media release 9 November 2004.
The Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) held its eighth meeting on Friday 27 August 2004, in Adelaide. Ministers discussed energy market reform, energy efficiency, renewable and distributed generation and ways to improve equity and transparency in electricity emergency response processes. Of interest to some stakeholders, Ministers agreed to develop, by December 2004, a database of low standby power and high efficiency appliances to guide government purchasing decisions. More details of the meeting are available in the Communique.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Dr Sharman Stone, opened the APEC Airconditioner Conference in Sydney on 9 June 2004. Dr Stone said that improving energy efficiency in household and industrial appliances is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Media release 9 June 2004.
The Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, launched the Top Energy Saver Award in March 2004. Media release 15 March 2004.

2003

Rick Hart Discounts fined for breach of electricity act: On October 22, 2003 Hi Fi Corporation (WA) Pty Ltd, trading as Rick Hart Discounts in Karrinyup, was convicted in October 2003 of breaches of the Electricity Act 1945 and was fined $3000 with $457.70 costs for failing to display Energy Efficiency labels on some electrical appliances on sale in the store. More details can be found in the Energy Safety ( media release ).
Victoria has joined the other states using infringement notices (on-the-spot fines) to promote label compliance amongst appliance retailers.
Harvey Norman fined for offering appliances for sale without energy labels: On 9 May 2003 the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection in Western Australia issued a media release stating the Harvey Norman in Geraldton WA had a penalty of $9,000 imposed for failing to display energy efficiency labels on some electrical appliances on sale in the store. More details can be found in the Energy Safety ( media release ).
ACCC takes out an enforceable undertaking on Retravision and Haier over clothes washer: On 28 April 2003, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) issued a statement stating they had accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Retravision Pty Ltd and Haier Australia Pty Ltd in relation to the sale of Haier brand washing machines. The undertakings follow an ACCC investigation of allegedly false energy rating claims on Haier brand washing machine models XQJ50-31 5kg and XQJ100-96 10kg. The undertakings provide for a full refund to consumers who bought the machines. More details can be found in the ACCC web site (28 April 2003, Media Release #MR 080/03).

This page last modified 02 February 2009