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The Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund supports innovative forestry research projects focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation, along with the development of sustainable bio -energy initiatives, hile the National Climate Change and Commercial Forestry Action Plan 2009-12 identified knowledge gaps and proposed actions to assist forest industries to respond to climate change

During the review period, the "Sustainable Agriculture Stream", a sub-programme within the overall Australia's Caring for our Country 2013-18 initiative, has been focused on ensuring a sustainable, productive and resilient agricultural base involving: sustainable food production; innovation in agriculture and fisheries practices; reduced impact of weeds and pests; and improved management of agriculture and fisheries and the natural resource base.[13] The Sustainable Agriculture Stream is being delivered in the context of other major government policies and initiatives, including: the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (sections 3.2.7.2.2 and 4.2.2.1); the Carbon Farming Initiative, drought policy reform (section 4.2.2.2); and the Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries By-Catch (section 4.2.3). (...)

[13] Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Environment online information. Viewed at: http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/agriculture/index.html.

(...) In addition to its clean energy policy, Australia supports the sustainable expansion of fossil fuel exploration, production and utilisation (sections 4.3.1, 4.3.2.1.3, and 4.4). Coal is a key contributor to the Australian economy and continues to be an important part of the country's energy mix. Australia, which is the second largest coal exporter in the world, has taken a global leadership role in efforts to reduce emissions from coal combustion and coal mining, including establishing the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. Domestically, Australia has world-leading Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects underway and is developing new processes for converting coal mine methane into energy. Development proposals that will have, or are likely to have, a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance, including those related to coal mining development, must be referred for assessment and approval by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.

Charges incurred at Australian ports (with the exception of private ports) are determined by the ports authorities and any independent ports services providers, with the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) having broad regulatory oversight. Additionally, certain fees related to safety and environmental protection stemming from Australia's participation in international conventions and treaties are collected by the Australian Government. (...)

The trade policy formulation and evaluation structure continues to be very transparent, and involves interactions between the executive branches of government, advisory bodies, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders. The Productivity Commission (PC) remains the Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues. Its advice to the Government, together with the information and analysis on which it is based, are open to public scrutiny.

When importing into Australia, importers of plant, animal, mineral and biological products (...) may use the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system to determine whether: a commodity is permitted to be imported; importation is subject to specific conditions; supporting documentation is required; the commodity must undergo treatment; or an import permit is needed. (...) Australia's biosecurity system is based on the Biosecurity Act, 2015, and information on biosecurity conditions may also be obtained through BICON.

Australia's prosperity is underpinned by its global economic engagement as articulated through the Government's economic diplomacy agenda. Global trade reform in agriculture, manufacturing, environmental goods, services, intellectual property, energy and resources, investment and tourism are all priorities for the Australian Government.

The Government regulates national issues that also affect the aquaculture sector, such as disease control, quality aspects, labelling, and trade. (...) a licensing system is in place to mitigate these concerns and the sector's impact on the environment.

(...) A generally strict quarantine and inspection regime remains in place, while biosecurity reform has proceeded. (...)

Australia is also actively participating in the WTO Fisheries Subsidies negotiations (...) in recognition of the potential contribution that subsidy reform could make to improve the sustainability of marine capture fisheries across the globe.