We’ve got some big news on climate and I wanted to take the time to share it with you.
Over the past few weeks we’ve been working hard to secure improvements to Labor’s weak climate bill.
As a result I wanted to let you know that the Greens will vote to pass the bill tomorrow.
We said from the start that we wanted to improve and pass the bill, and by pushing for important changes we have got Labor to agree to do more.
We have ensured that:
✅ 43% is a minimum target | The target can now be ratcheted up over time and is not a ceiling on climate ambition
✅ The Bill is “Dutton-proofed” | The target can not go backwards or be altered below 43% by a future government
✅ Making it harder to fund coal & gas | The targets will also be applied to many government agencies. Significantly agencies such as Export Finance Australia, Infrastructure Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund will now find it harder to back new coal and gas.
✅ Greater transparency | There will be greater transparency, accountability and strengthened requirements on the Climate Change Authority which will review and advise on climate targets and policy.
✅ Supporting coal and gas communities | The Government will also consider Greens proposals to support coal and gas workers and communities, including creating publicly funded Transition Authorities to empower local communities to develop and finance plans to create new jobs and diversify their local industries.
But let’s be clear – before we started pushing them, none of this was Labor’s plan.
You voted for us in record numbers to push Labor further and faster on climate action and I am pleased that we’ve been able to do this. However, the work doesn’t stop here.
Labor has been clear during negotiations that they won’t lift their weak target and they will continue to open new coal and gas.
Over the coming months we will ramp up the fight to stop Labor opening new coal and gas.
We have the largest progressive crossbench in the country – and the only barrier to further climate action is Labor.
People need to be clear eyed about the importance of this Bill, and this government that’s bringing a bucket of water to a house fire, while also making the problem worse by opening new coal and gas projects. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you cannot put the fire out while you continue to pour fuel on it.
Even the smallest of steps along the road to tackling the climate emergency could be wiped out by just one of the 114 new coal and gas projects in the government’s investment pipeline.
We are in solidarity with First Nations communities, climate scientists, the global community, with our neighbours in the Pacific. And we will continue the climate fight at every opportunity.
That’s why we’re here in Parliament, and it’s going to take all of us, showing up, speaking up and demanding an end to coal and gas.
When we work together, we can get great things done. So have hope. I do.
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