The latest phase in the development of national legislation for Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) has begun with the commencement of industry consultation on the draft GEMS Bill.

 

Comment on the draft is being sought from all interested parties in what marks the third round of formal industry consultation since development of the scheme began in mid-2009.

 

To assist industry in this process, a Consultation Paper has been released that summarises the key points and outlines what industry can expect once the Bill comes into effect.

 

The GEMS Bill is the result of a 2009 Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) commitment to introduce national legislation for minimum energy and performance standards and labelling requirements for energy-using products. Currently, equipment and appliance energy efficiency is regulated by a number of different state and territory laws. The GEMS Bill will provide national consistency and greater certainty to industry by establishing – for the first time – a single legislative scheme to regulate minimum energy and performance standards.

 

The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is coordinating consultation on the draft GEMS Bill and is inviting written submissions from industry regarding the Consultation Paper. Consultation forums have also commenced.


Further details, including the dates and location of meetings, the Consultation Paper, and advice on how to prepare a submission can be found on the Draft GEMS Bill Consultation page.