CANBERRA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said there was "no rush" in determining whether or not the federal government will introduce a "clean energy target" (CET), ahead of a meeting of the nation's federal and state energy ministers on Friday.
Earlier this year, Australia's chief scientist Alan Finkel set out 50 recommendations in a review of the nation's energy sector, and while the government has ticked off on 49 of those recommendations, the implementation of a CET has not yet been approved and has been a point of contention within the government.
Speaking at a doorstop interview before the energy-based Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting on Friday, Frydenberg said there were more urgent matters at hand, including the security of Australia's electricity market.
"There will be discussion about the clean energy target, but we received the report just five weeks ago," Frydenberg said.
"We need to get this right. Dr Finkel made it very clear that the clean energy target, if it would be implemented would be from 2020, so there is no rush. What is important is to get the policy right."
The minister said the focus of Friday's meetings would be about driving down electricity prices for everyday consumers.
Frydenberg also said that Australia remains committed to the Paris accord.
"Our commitment of a 26-to-28 percent emissions reduction target by 2030 on 2005 levels is substantial, and one we are committed to achieving."
