You have already heard to-day some thorough analysis of the Kyoto outcome. Tonight I propose to share with you my thoughts on some key lessons to be learnt from the climate change negotiations and their future relevance. Meeting this challenge requires thoughtful analysis, careful preparation, tenacity and intelligent choices and good diplomacy. This will ensure that the Australian response to emerging global environmental issues always provides for good, workable outcomes in the national interest. We need to absorb these lessons if we are to develop effective strategies to meet the challenges ahead.
All negotiations are about developing, and then selling ideas and approaches.
Both aspects must be underpinned and realised through good, well-thought out strategies. The success of our campaign was demonstrated by the fact that differentiated national emission targets, although initially an anathema to many others, was eventually accepted by all Parties and formed the basis of the Kyoto agreement. An effective negotiating strategy demands having clear international and national objectives. In the climate change negotiations the Government's objectives were clear. The Government sought an outcome that met global environmental objectives without placing unfair demands upon Australia.