The Australian Government has adopted a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70% by 2035 and released its Net Zero Plan. While there is wide debate about whether the target is ambitious enough, our focus is now on ensuring Government policy delivers the greatest reduction as soon as possible, with the best possible outcomes for our communities.
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by Australian communities. The National Climate Risk Assessment released on Monday shows Australians will experience profound and worsening impacts to their lives and communities. Already disadvantaged households and communities will bear the brunt of climate impacts unless urgent, inclusive action is taken.
Climate science and the growing evidence of climate impacts are clear. We urgently need deep, economy-wide emission reductions, led by the rapid transformation of our energy system. This is a critical moment to accelerate our transition to net zero – and to do it fairly.
Our Energy and Water Justice team is working to ensure the transition is fast, just and focussed on solutions that work for people. We are advocating for the change needed to deliver a clean, affordable energy system that supports a sustainable and more equitable Australia.
We are pleased to see the Government’s Electricity and Energy Sector plan recognise the critical importance of accelerating electrification, improving energy efficiency, and focusing on fairness and equity. At the JEC, we will continue to push for greater ambition on these goals, through our work to:
- reform regulatory frameworks for the National Energy Market and hold decision-makers to account for delivering a system capable of meeting emissions targets;
- keep the costs of energy down for all households as the new infrastructure needed to support a net-zero energy system is built;
- ensure the interests of people experiencing disadvantage are prioritised in reform of regulation and protection of all energy services ;
- advocate for implementation of our Roadmap for Efficient and Electric Homes, developed in collaboration with ACOSS and more than 60 community and industry organisations; and
- drive gas network reform to ensure people are supported to switch away from gas in their homes and don’t face unfair costs when they can’t switch.
