CANBERRA—More than 100 federal government departments and agencies have signed up to switch off for Earth Hour tonight.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said thousands of lights in hundreds of government offices across the nation would be extinguished between 8pm and 9pm.
The High Court of Australia, National Library of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, National Museum of Australia, National Science and Technology Centre and Royal Australian Mint are among the iconic buildings in Canberra to be switching off their lights.
The Maritime Museum of Australia in Sydney and Federal Courts of Australia around the nation have also committed to Earth Hour.
"Even with a function scheduled on the night, the National Gallery of Australia has signed up to switch off as many lights as possible, to conserve energy for the benefit of our environment," Senator Wong said in a statement.
"The Australian government is throwing its full support behind the efforts of WWF in organising Earth Hour.
"It is vital that we raise awareness that we can all make a difference by saving energy in our homes."
Senator Wong said the government's interdepartmental committee would examine a range of options to increase government sustainability.
"It will consider all options including setting targets and powering Parliament House and electorate offices with renewable and clean energy," she said.
"Importantly, we will investigate using the government fleet to drive the market for low-emission cars."
Senator Wong urged all Australians to participate in Earth Hour.
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