Response to MCA’s updated energy policy

MEDIA COMMENT 14 March 2018   Responding to MCA’s updated energy policy, Brynn O’Brien, Executive Director of ACCR said: “The Minerals Council’s updated climate and energy statement demonstrates no substantive policy change. It is best viewed as an attempt to appease the anxieties of their brand-sensitive financial backers, Rio Tinto and BHP, who are under acute pressure from their shareholders over funding of coal lobbyists.  “A growing number of investors, in Australia and overseas, are rightly concerned with Rio Tinto’s contribution to Australia’s climate and energy policy vacuum via its financial and brand support of the Minerals Council of Australia. This statement is not an adequate response to their concerns.  “We expect Rio Tinto and BHP shareholders to continue to scrutinise relationships that undermine their interests.