Media Releases

MEDIA RELEASE: Climate Change Bill Relaunch

Zali Steggall OAM MP has relaunched her Climate Change Bill, calling for the Morrison government to adopt sensible climate change legislation that will align national policy with state governments’ and the private sector’s commitment to net zero by 2050.

Ms Steggall will table the legislative climate framework in the House of Representatives on 9 November – the same date Australia was expected at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow to update its emission reduction commitment under the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 has been updated following consultation with business groups, environmental organisations, law experts and federal MPs. The legislation now adopts the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap, released in May, which will assist in identifying and developing low emissions technologies.

The Bill will be seconded by Rebekha Sharkie MP and is supported by the Australian Business Council, Atlassian, the Climate Council, Australian Energy Council and WWF Australia, among others. It has also been endorsed by prominent leaders including Christiana Figuerres, former UN climate chief who oversaw the Paris Agreement, Economist Professor Ross Garnaut and US Climate Scientist Dr Michael Mann.

The Climate Act Now website, www.climateactnow.com.au has been relaunched, calling on Australians to support the bill and add their name to the many signatories from every electorate in Australia. 

Zali Steggall OAM MP, Independent for Warringah:

“The Climate Change Act gives us the opportunity to rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis in a sustainable way, future proofing our jobs and economy. We are seeing UK, Germany and major energy corporations including Woodside, BHP, AGL and BP committing to net zero by 2050. It’s time for the Morrison government to step up and join these leaders.
Unfortunately, since the pandemic engulfed our country the federal government has instead focussed on a gas-led recovery that will see Australia left behind.”

Rebekha Sharkie MP, Independent for Mayo

“It is my hope that this legislation will break through the partisan politics and that the Australian community will get behind Zali’s campaign at climateactnow.com.au and put pressure on their Federal members to call for a conscience vote.”

Helen Haines MP, Independent for Indi

“I’ve worked with Zali to ensure that regional Australia is represented in this Bill. This is critical because our renewable power stations are being built in regional Australia. This represents an enormous opportunity for everyday people, if we put communities at the centre. The Climate Change Bill gives certainty to regional communities that they will not just be included in the conversation, but that they will be placed at heart of our emerging zero-carbon economy.”

Support for Climate Change Bill

Professor Ross Garnaut
“Zali Steggall’s Climate Change Bill provides an opportunity for the Australian Federal Parliament to move decisively beyond the Climate Wars. Being introduced by a Member of Parliament from outside the partisan divide, it can pass without any of the Parties of government backing down from explicit electoral commitments.

Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian
“This is a smart bill, and the exact type of action we need to change Australia’s international reputation on climate.”

Jennifer Westacott, The Business Council Australia chief
“I reckon if we could get the two political parties to agree to that and legislate it, we would have made a massive advance in this country because we would know where we’re going."

Dr Penny Sackett, Former Chief Scientist
“The bill recognises that effective governance is well informed, by establishing an independent Climate Change Commission to assess risks and advise Parliament. And it acknowledges that good governance is transparent and accountable, by establishing procedures for monitoring and reporting.”

Dr Michael Mann, US Scientist
“Australia needs a proactive approach to dealing with climate change impacts. That's precisely what the
people’s Climate Change Bill being introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Independent Zali Steggall
provides.”

Christina Figuerres, former UN climate chief who oversaw the Paris Agreement
“All states and territories have 2050 net zero targets, as do 73 other nations, including Britain and Canada. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson would welcome Australia joining these ranks… and giving consideration to the British model of using an independent expert body to advise government on five-yearly carbon budgets en route to net zero by 2050. Independent MP Zali Steggall’s private members’ bill does exactly that.”

For more information head to:
www.climactactnow.com.au
www.zalisteggall.com.au