The Reference Group met Premier John Brumby and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings for the first time today at Government House. The group will advise the Government on the key priorities for Victoria in addressing climate change.

“The Victorian Government is ready to take the action needed to meet the challenges of climate change and I want to ensure we get the best advice from the best science, policy and business experts in the State.” Mr Brumby said.

“The group will provide advice to government on climate change policy in the context of a national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, opportunities for Victoria in terms of innovation, technology and industry, and the type of support and assistance our vulnerable communities will need to make the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“This group will further highlight Victoria’s position as a national leader in climate change policy, and will play an important role in preparing our industries, businesses and communities to address the challenges and opportunities of climate change.

“I also thank the Governor for hosting this meeting at Government house as it further highlights the importance of this issue for the State of Victoria.”

Group chair Professor David Karoly, Federation Fellow in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne, said: “Climate change is an important issue for all communities, businesses and governments across the globe.

“I applaud the Premier’s efforts in forming this group to assist in setting the Victorian Government's long-term policies on climate change.”

The Group includes:
Prof. David Karoly (Chair), Professor of Meteorology and Federation Fellow in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
Tony Nicholson, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Prof. Amanda Lynch, Federation Fellow with the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Monash University.
Bob Welsh, Chief Executive of VicSuper.
Dr. Peter Christoff, Coordinator, Environmental Studies Faculty at the University of Melbourne.
Prof Robin Batterham, Group Chief Scientist with Rio Tinto Limited, and President of the Academy of Technological Sciences.
Erwin Jackson, Director of Policy and Research at The Climate Institute.
Dr. Kate Auty, Magistrate in Western Australia specialising in justice and equity issues, and is Chair of the Victorian Ministerial Reference Council on Climate Change Adaptation.