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Coal is the principal source of electricity generation, followed by natural gas and renewable sources. Coal accounted for 36% of installed capacity and 60% of generation in 2016. However, since 2010, the share of coal in installed capacity has declined, while those of wind and solar have increased significantly.

Since 2016, responsibility for energy matters lies with the Department of the Environment and Energy, which, in addition to energy and environmental legislation, is also responsible for energy security.[25]

[25] Previously, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science was responsible for energy matters.

In June 2017, the COAG Energy Council created the Energy Security Board, which is tasked with fostering coordinated reforms across the NEM regarding reliability, security and emission reduction policies.

In April 2015, the Government detailed its energy strategy in the Energy White Paper (EWP). (...) Additionally, under the Paris Agreement, Australia increased its international climate change ambitions, and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26%, to 28% below 2005 levels, by 2030. However, the EWP does not incorporate the Government's climate change pledge.

According to the authorities, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development supports an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly maritime transport system, including an effective regulatory framework for shipping, and environmental and safety regulations. The Department's Maritime and Shipping Branch (...) oversees a range of legislation, giving effect to Australia's maritime safety and marine environmental protection obligations under various international treaties and conventions.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development manages the policy and regulatory framework for Australian airports and the aviation industry. It also manages the administration of the Government's interests in privatized airports under the Airports Act, 1996, and provides policy advice on the efficient management of airspace, and on aircraft noise and emissions.

The entry into force of the Biosecurity Act (in 2015), two basic implementing regulations and a host of related legal instruments constitute a major recent development in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary measures in Australia. The legislation provides for risk analysis to be conducted through a regulated process (Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis) for goods in the review of existing trade, and in response to requests regarding products that have never been imported into Australia, or have not previously been imported from a particular country or region. As before, imports are not permitted unless the estimated biosecurity risks are "very low" (or lower).

Agriculture makes a significant contribution to the economy (...) Support to the sector is limited, as Australia does not provide market price support. Current programmes target risk management, environmental conservation, and the provision of general services.

Resource constraints, in particular access to water, remain a major challenge. Among many assistance measures taken recently in response to severe drought conditions, the Future Drought Fund (an initial credit of AUD 3.9 billion) is intended to provide a secure and continuous revenue stream for drought-related measures. The Government signed a new agreement with state and territory governments in December 2018 to form a joint approach on drought preparedness, response and recovery (...)

Australia is a strong supporter of developing enhanced fisheries subsidies disciplines in the WTO. Australia has sought clear, simple prohibitions in the core areas of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and overfishing and overcapacity. Australia has co-sponsored a proposal to cap (in monetary terms) fisheries support; drafted text on prohibiting subsidies for distant water fishing and subsidies to vessels not flying the subsidizing Member’s flag; and drafted text on notifications and transparency. Underlining the importance Australia attaches to transparency, and as an important indicator of Australia’s commitment to the process, Australia notified its fisheries specific subsidies by the 30 June deadline, as agreed by Ministers at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11).[29]

[29] Notifications in G/SCM/N/343/AUS.