A National Framework for Adaptation would ensure that future governments regularly assess emerging climate risks and make informed, long-term plans to safeguard our communities against climate risk.
A National Framework for Adaptation would provide a comprehensive framework to assess and plan for the impacts of climate change.
National Climate Change Risk Assessment
- An arms-length National Climate Change Risk Assessment that would be undertaken every 5 years.
- The Assessment must include Australia’s most significant climate risks, based on their nature, severity, probability and cost, and assess the need for coordinated responses to those risks.
National Adaptation Plan
- In response to the National Climate Change Risk Assessment, the Minister must determine a National Adaptation Plan.
- The Plan must set out the strategies, policies and proposals to protect against and mitigate risks as identified in the national climate change risk assessment, including implementation time frames, measures and indicators for regular monitoring and reporting and the funding structure.
- For each national adaptation plan, the Authority must provide the Minister with an annual progress report that evaluates the implementation of the adaptation plan and its effectiveness.
- Within 3 months after receiving an annual progress report, the Minister must prepare a statement in response and present this to Parliament.
Other elements
- A requirement to make available all reports about climate change, including declassified versions of top-secret documents.
- Obligations to consider climate change and climate adaptation when making legislation.
Why this Bill matters
- Australia is already experiencing more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including bushfires, floods, cyclones and droughts. This impacts communities, businesses, and destroys biodiversity and our ecosystems.
- By including climate risks in government planning and decision-making, this Bill will help to build a strong Australia, where everyone – regardless of age, gender, race, ability – can feel safe and supported.
- If passed, the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation) Act 2024 will be binding on future governments to take the impacts of climate change seriously.
- A legislated National Climate Change Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan has been called for by the the Climate Change Authority.
Resources
Explainer on the draft legislation
Exposure Draft Legislation
We welcome your views on the Exposure Draft legislation. Please send your submission to [email protected]
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