News

As one of the first orders of business in the 47th Parliament, the Government has introduced a climate bill focussed on legislating a 43% emissions reduction target.

I embrace this early intention to take action on emissions. All Australians – regardless of the strength of their ambition for climate action – want certainty, a thriving economy, and solutions to what is our greatest threat and also our greatest opportunity....

As one of the first orders of business in the 47th Parliament, the Government has introduced a climate bill focussed on legislating a 43% emissions reduction target.

I embrace this early intention to take action on emissions. All Australians – regardless of the strength of their ambition for climate action – want certainty, a thriving economy, and solutions to what is our greatest threat and also our greatest opportunity.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy the Hon. Chris Bowen has been open in collaborating with the crossbench about option for improving the bill.

I understand the importance of urgently legislating climate targets to provide certainty and signal to the world that Australia is willing to become part of the solution. The new Government legislation is narrowly focussed on legislating a target, which accomplishes this task.

While our ambition needs to be greater to align with the science and our commitment to the Paris Agreement, the Government’s sense of urgency and willingness to collaborate with the crossbench to improve their climate legislation is appreciated.

When I tabled the Climate Change Bill in 2021 based on the successful UK Climate Act, it contained a rigorous approach with a more ambitious emissions reduction target of 60%, and a legislated ratcheting mechanism, and encompassed climate risk assessment and adaptation plans. My bill was the result of broad consultation with business, industry, environmental groups and unions and the Bill received a great deal of support.

I hope there is still movement in this climate bill from the Government. I will be proposing further amendments as it can be improved to create a better framework and give greater certainty to business in the near future.