Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction


The Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction is an Australian Government Cabinet position with the duties of serving the people of Australia by developing a more prosperous and sustainable Australia by leading and coordinating the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, promotion of energy efficiency, adaptation to climate change and shaping of global solutions.
The Hon. Angus Taylor MP was appointed as Energy Minister by the Governor-General on 28 August 2018. Emissions Reduction was added to his portfolio in May 2019.
The position of Energy Minister previously had responsibility for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency under the Rudd and Gillard Government. The precursor department was led by the Secretary, Blair Comley PSM who was responsible to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Honourable Greg Combet AM MP. The minister was assisted by the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Honourable Mark Dreyfus QC MP. The Clean Energy Regulator was a statutory authority formed 2 April 2012, which was part of the department.
On 25 March 2013, responsibility for Climate Change passed to the newly formed Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, and the duties of the Ministry of Energy passed to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. After the 7 September 2013 Australian federal election the responsibility for Energy passed to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science under the Abbott Government. Following the Australia federal election of 2 July 2016, responsibilities were passed to the Minister of the Environment and Energy under the Turnbull Government. Following the appointment of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister, Josh Frydenberg was elevated to Treasurer of Australia, whereby Frydenberg's previous ministerial positions were separated, with Melissa Price as Minister of the Environment and Angus Taylor as Minister for Energy.
On 1 February 2020, Administrative Arrangements Order was executed by Australian Government to transfer small business and energy functions to the renamed Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

Mission and outcomes

The department deals with: