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Equivalent carbon price

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Equivalent carbon price for synthetic greenhouse gases

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Frequently asked questions

• General questions about the equivalent carbon price
• Information for importers
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• Exemptions to the equivalent carbon price

Information for consumers

Last updated: 2 July 2012

What is the Clean Energy Future Plan?

Clean Energy Future is the Australian Government's comprehensive plan for securing a clean energy future. The plan will cut pollution and drive investment, helping to ensure Australia can compete and remain prosperous in the future. For more information about the Clean Energy Future package, visit the website: www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/clean-energy-future/our-plan.

What will the equivalent carbon price mean for consumers?

The equivalent carbon price applies to imports and manufacture of synthetic greenhouse gases and products containing synthetic greenhouse gases. Importers of synthetic greenhouse gases may choose to pass on the cost of the new equivalent carbon price to their customers. For most households, the impact of the equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases will be very small, as the amount of these gases used in household appliances and other products is generally quite low.

For example, the equivalent carbon price for any synthetic greenhouse gases used in a typical domestic refrigerator would be around $4. For customers having the air conditioning in their car serviced, the equivalent carbon price for the system's gas would be around $18.

The government's household assistance package has been designed to help those who need it most. It will deliver tax cuts, higher family tax benefit payments and increases in pensions and other government benefits.

Nine out of ten households will receive assistance through tax cuts or payment increases. Nearly six million households will get assistance that covers the entire average carbon price impact, and over four million households will get an extra buffer with assistance that covers 120 per cent of their average price impact.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission provides information for consumers on carbon price claims.

What do I do if my refrigerator, freezer or air-conditioning system needs replacing, repair or maintenance?

Synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances are most commonly used as refrigerant gases in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, both in households and in automobiles. These gases can damage our environment and risk human safety when handled and disposed of inappropriately.

Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, anyone wanting to install, service or repair a fridge, freezer or air conditioner (or any other piece of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment) containing fluorocarbon refrigerants (including halocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and HFCs), must be a licensed technician.

To find a licensed technician in your local area, you can visit the Australian Refrigerant Council website at: www.lookforthetick.com.au.

There are several forms of gas which can be used in refrigerant systems. If your system is being repaired or maintained, ask the licensed technician to explain what work they are doing and why, and make sure that any gas being placed into your fridge, freezer or air conditioner meets the manufacturer's warranty requirements. You will also need to consider whether any substitution of the original refrigerant with an alternative refrigerant meets your insurance requirements. These aspects may be covered by national, state or territory consumer protection or other legislation. For more information, visit The Australian Consumer Law website.

Reporting breaches of the Act

Any information about the acquisition, import, export, trading or use of gas that may not comply with the requirements of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 can be reported to the department by free call 1800 803 772.

Any information reported to the department is highly regarded and will be held in strict confidence.

How can consumers stay informed?

If you wish to receive updates about the equivalent carbon price for synthetic greenhouse gases you can subscribe to our News updates.