Who's responsible for environment in ScoMo's new ministry?

Following the 2019 federal election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed his new ministry.

Sussan Ley will return to cabinet as Minister for the Environment, with a focus on practical and local environmental outcomes as well as waste reduction and recycling.

“I am pleased and proud to be appointed as Minister for the Environment in Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s new ministry,” Ley commented.

“Australians hold strong views on caring for our environment, both locally and globally, and I look forward to listening to the variety of perspectives and ideas that will be put forward, as well as implementing our government’s strong range of policy initiatives in this portfolio,” she continued.

Ley will be assisted by Trevor Evans who has been appointed Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management.

Angus Taylor will continue as Minister for Energy, with the addition of emissions reduction to his portfolio, to focus on the government’s goal of lowering power bills and meeting the nation’s 2030 emissions targets.

Energy Networks Australia, the national industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks, congratulated Taylor on his re-appointment to the Morrison Cabinet.

Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said the industry looked forward to continuing to work with Minister Taylor in progressing a sustainable energy future at what was a critical time in the evolution of the sector.

“Our key priorities are the grid integration challenges of connecting renewables, both large and small scale, the National Hydrogen Strategy and maintaining the sector’s financeability,” Dillon said.

“Energy and climate policies are closely linked and combing the two is a positive step towards the policy certainty and stability the industry needs.

“Renewable energy presents many opportunities but also challenges for the grid, which is why Energy Networks Australia has been working with the Australian Energy Market Operator on the Open Energy Networks project.”

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