ACOSS welcomes the Climate Change Authority’s advice to Minister Chris Bowen that Australia can cut is climate emissions faster and also needs to do so more fairly, and we urge the government to go further.
“ACOSS welcomes the Climate Change Authority’s analysis that Australia can meet and beat its existing 2030 targets and meet net zero sooner than 2050,” said Edwina MacDonald, ACOSS Acting CEO.
“But even the Climate Change Authority’s scenario of net zero by 2040 is too late, we should be aiming for 2035 to protect our people and the planet.
“People and communities experiencing disadvantage are already being severely impacted by floods, fires and heatwaves.
“The economic and social damage will be devastating, and poverty and inequality will accelerate if we don’t cut climate emissions faster.
“ACOSS also welcomes the Climate Change Authority’s recognition that more must be done to strengthen the social licence and ensure a just transition for people and communities.
“To ensure a just transition ACOSS recommends the Government embed fairness, equity and inclusion in all climate change and energy legislation frameworks, including in Future Made In Australia and the Climate Change Act.
“ACOSS also recommends the Government prioritise and accelerate government funding towards people and communities experiencing disadvantage.
“They could start with a package of home energy upgrades for low-income housing as part of the MYEFO budget.
“We can’t keep prioritising investment in profitable big industries ahead of people who are doing it tough and struggling to afford housing, energy, transport, medicine and to put food on the table.
“And we certainly won’t build social licence to accelerate action without people directly benefiting sooner,” said Ms MacDonald.
Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547