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THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation
LAURA SMYTH MP Federal Member for La Trobe
MEDIA RELEASE
GC 101/13 17 April 2013
CARBON PRICE REVENUE SHEDS LIGHT ON PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM
Revenue from the carbon price will assist Victorian pharmaceutical manufacturer Baxter Laboratories Pty Ltd to invest in state-of-the-art equipment that will reduce the carbon emissions intensity of the company’s Boronia facility by 11 per cent.
Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, and Laura Smyth, Federal Member for La Trobe, today visited Baxter’s facilities in Boronia to announce the $33,250 grant from the Clean Technology Investment Program.
“As Australia goes about reducing emissions through a price on carbon the Government is working with manufacturers to reduce energy costs and improve competitiveness,” Mr Combet said.
“This grant shows how even a relatively simple upgrade of equipment can reduce both carbon emissions and energy costs.”
“This project is helping Baxter become more competitive and improving sustainability. Once completed it will reduce their energy costs by up to $16,000 in energy costs per year,” said Ms Smyth.
“Nearly 100 people are employed by Baxter and I am pleased the Federal Government is working with the company to help them reduce costs.”
“Labor understands industry. We know that a high Australian dollar and increased competition from overseas is placing pressure on the sector. This is why we worked closely with Industry and Unions to deliver a $1 billion Aussie Jobs package.”
“The Aussie Jobs package complements the work the Federal Government is doing through the Clean Technology Investment Programs to ensure our industry is more competitive.”
Baxter Laboratories manufactures skin care, sunscreen and topical pharmaceutical products.
The grant will help replace existing, less efficient, high bay lights at the company’s pharmaceutical production facility in Boronia with new sky bay lighting.
In addition to the $800 million Clean Technology Investment Program and the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program, the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program provides opportunities for Australian businesses to develop innovative ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. All three programs are open for applications.
For more information, companies should contact AusIndustry on 13 28 46 or visit the website - www.ausindustry.gov.au.
Media contact: Mr Combet’s Office 02 6277 7920 Ms Smyth’s Office 03 9796 1788