An unprecedented alliance of Australian business and industry groups has joined with NGOs to urge for national and international consensus and action on climate policy.

"This is highly significant for Australia, and yet another significant signal to the world in this critical year. We welcome the business and civil society effort this represents to reset the debate on climate policy in Australia to build bipartisan support," said Nigel Topping, CEO of We Mean Business.

The Australian Climate Roundtable statement includes the Australian Aluminium Council, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia, The Climate Institute, the Energy Supply Association of Australia, the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) and WWF Australia.

"We Mean Business is calling for business and investment groups and leaders to continue to urge the Australian government to raise the level of ambition in its INDC, set for release shortly," Mr Topping said.

He pointed out that in 2015 action on climate, certainty and a long-term view on policy is ever more urgent, and ever more important. "We have precious little time to waste," he said.

He noted, "It is vitally important that the Australian economy isn't jeopardized by placing itself at risk from potential carbon pricing trade barriers or preventing its companies from benefitting from the innovation being unleashed by smart climate policy around the world.

"We welcome and congratulate these Australian organizations for their leadership and commitment, the statement puts business and investor groups in sync with the thousands of global businesses we represent.

"The latest climate science is clear that keeping global warming below 2°C requires limiting cumulative emissions to one trillion tonnes of carbon. Keeping within this budget will require long-term decarbonization. The statement from Australia clearly recognizes this fact.

"It is clear that this broad coalition from Australia has recognized, accepted and decided to advocate for the necessary policy measures to meet these great economic, social and environmental challenges.

"Many would understand that Australia is a country that is already being impacted by climate change. The importance of diminishing the risks, threats and exploiting the potential opportunities by acting early and jumping onto a long term low carbon transition pathway to meet these challenges cannot be understated.

"For Paris to be a success, business needs more than an agreement – business needs a clear long-term decarbonization signal to accelerate low-carbon and climate-resilient investment in the real economy.

"As governments provide an enabling policy environment, business will be the engine of innovation, investment and cross-sectoral partnerships needed to build this path. Businesses from every corner of the globe, and significantly today a huge array from Australia, stand ready to join them in a spirit of leadership and ambition.

"More companies and investors are committed to bold leadership on climate action than at any time in history. That's because taking climate action simply makes good business sense and this new alliance in Australia demonstrates that clearly," said Mr Topping.

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