Southern Suburbs BM; Tuesday, 7th February 2012; Gymea NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

PIP Maintenance of Accreditation - Castle Hill; Monday, 13th February 2012; 4:30-6:30 pm read more

Hunter Valley BM; Monday, 13th February 2012; New Lambton NSW; 5:00 pm. read more

Northern Suburbs BM; Monday, 13th February 2012; Cammeray NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

Central Metropolitan BM; Tuesday, 14th February 2012; Burwood NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

PIP Cyber Savvy - Dee Why; Wednesday 15 February 2012; 4:30-6:30 pm read more

South Coast BM; Wednesday, 15th February 2012; Woonona NSW; 6:45 pm. read more

Penrith Blue Mountains BM; Wednesday, 15th February 2012; Penrith NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

Metropolitan East BM; Wednesday, 15th February 2012; Randwick NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

Central Coast BM; Thursday, 16th February 2012; Gosford NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

IEU Reps Training Day - Tamworth; Friday 17 February 2012; 9:15-3:15pm read more

Mid North Coast BM; Friday, 17th February 2012; Nambucca Heads NSW; 6:00 pm. read more

South East Branch Meeting; Friday, 17th February 2012; Griffith NSW; 6:00 pm. read more

Riverina BM; Friday, 17th February 2012; Wagga Wagga NSW; 7:30 pm. read more

North West Branch Meeting; Friday, 17th February 2012; Tamworth NSW; 5:30 pm. read more

Principals BM; Saturday, 18th February 2012; IEU Office Parramatta; 10:00 am. read more

Cumberland BM; Monday, 20th February 2012; IEU Office Parramatta; 4:30 pm. read more

PIP Maintenance of Accreditation - Sydney City; Monday 20 February 2012; 4.30 - 6.30pm read more

Ku-ring-gai BM; Thursday, 21st February 2012; Hornsby NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

IEU Reps Training Day - Orange, Friday 24 Feb 2012; 9.15 to 3.15 read more

North Coast BM; Wednesday, 22nd February 2012; IEU Office Lismore; 5:00 pm. read more

PIP Maintenance of Accreditation - Revesby Heights; Wednesday 22 February 2012; 4:30-6:30pm read more

Monaro BM; Thursday, 23rd February 2012; Barton ACT; 4:15 pm. read more

Lansdowne BM; Thursday, 23rd February 2012; Fairfield NSW; 4:30 pm. read more

Central Western BM; Friday, 24th February 2012; Orange NSW; 7:30 pm. read more

PIP Maintenance of Accreditation - Forbes; Monday 27 February 2012; 4.30-6.30 read more

G8 Carbon Cuts Commitment - Time To Set The Bar High

A G8 commitment to carbon emissions cuts that could limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is welcome, but this international leadership must be supported by appropriate domestic targets and legislation, says the Independent Education Union.

IEU Deputy Secretary Gloria Taylor said all political parties and all levels of government needed to continue the push for strong global commitments and to ensure the necessary supporting legislation was passed in Australia.

“The Union believes ambitious and firm targets, supported by strong legislation, is the only way to ensure necessary emissions cuts will be made.”

This would include:

-   the setting of firm greenhouse gas reduction targets to ensure the 2 degree Celsius figure is achievable
-   passage of the Federal Government’s emissions trading legislation
-   stronger incentives and investment in new green jobs and training programs, and
-   investment in and commitment to renewable energy technologies to meet the COAG-endorsed target of 20% by 2020.

The Union also calls on political and business leaders to go beyond minimum targets, seeking out new ways to play a leadership role domestically and internationally.

“Achieving environmental sustainability is one of the greatest priorities of our time. While targets and legislation are vital, to ensure that everyone does their bit, these should not be seen to be limiting.

“There are opportunities for businesses and governments willing to go above and beyond minimum targets, with efforts impacting many generations to come.”

In a recent survey of IEU members almost 90% said climate action was either important or very important, with 63% critical of industry practice.

The IEU continues to watch developments at the G8 summit with interest.

Click here to access the G8 meeting final declaration.