Climateworks Centre experts are available to comment on the government’s sector specific decarbonisation plans.
Anna Malos, Climateworks Australia Lead and former Assistant Director at the Climate Change Authority, can discuss the Electricity and energy sector plan. Location: Melbourne
‘Australia is already a global renewable energy powerhouse – with more than four million homes with solar power and momentum still building. The government’s new plan sets the foundation for accelerating the energy transition which is the bedrock for economic success. The next step is clear: turn plans into action.’
‘With strong renewable foundations in place, the biggest opportunities now lie in how Australia uses energy to maximise benefits for consumers – to cut power bills, strengthen industries and ensure the transition works for everyone. The plan’s increased focus on energy productivity and managing demand in homes and businesses is an important step.’
Helen Rowe, Climateworks Transport Lead, can talk to the Transport sector plan and broad transport topics, including road user charging. Location: Melbourne
‘The government’s transport and infrastructure sector plan sets out a solid framework for decarbonisation in Australia, and commits to important reforms to build momentum on technology change. Working with state and territory governments will be critical to the plan’s success, including providing more detail on investments, supporting freight decarbonisation and boosting options for Australia to choose more sustainable modes.’
‘By the end of the decade, transport will be Australia’s largest source of emissions. Strengthening the National Vehicle Emissions Standard will not only reduce emissions but also the money consumers pay at the petrol bowser.’
‘Road user charging is finally gaining traction and can be leveraged to support, not undermine, climate goals. Designed well, it can be a powerful tool to boost productivity, build economic resilience and help achieve emissions reductions all at the same time.’
Dr Gill Armstrong, Climateworks Buildings Lead, can talk to the Built environment sector plan, including opportunities for household power bills. Location: Melbourne
‘Decarbonising buildings is the fastest and most equitable place to reduce emissions now as zero carbon buildings are key to a least-cost transition – offering significant co-benefits from better health and wellbeing outcomes, lower energy bills and reduced energy system costs. Cost-effective technologies are tested, tried and trusted, and can be implemented rapidly.’
‘Residential building emissions can reduce by 93 per cent by 2035 compared to 2025 in a 1.5°C aligned pathway, enabling the government to make progress towards beating their 2035 target. National and consistent implementation of policies within the updated Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and 2025 Buildings and Energy Sector Plan will support all segments of building markets to decarbonise new and existing buildings – residential and commercial buildings.’
Hugh Sheehan, Climateworks Industry Program Manager, can talk to industry emissions reduction opportunities and policy needs. Location: Melbourne
‘We welcome the announcement of a $5 billion Net Zero Fund as part of the National Reconstruction Fund. Australia’s industrial regions are key to cutting emissions and seizing huge low carbon opportunities. The government’s sector plans can help drive a coordinated, fast-paced transition to future-proof industries and ensure they and the communities they support remain competitive in a net zero world.’
The Industry sector plan shows Australia now has both the ingredients and the recipe for decarbonisation. The question is how and when to cook the dish. If it is done ad hoc, the outcome could be a dish half-baked with unintended consequences. Move too slowly, and Australia will miss the chance to serve it while it’s hot and in demand. But with skillful preparation and timing – through smart policies, clear plans and coordinated deployment of solutions – the nation can deliver a dish that exceeds expectations: cutting emissions, creating economic value, and securing our place in global green markets.’
Liam Walsh, Climateworks Food, Land and Ocean Lead can discuss the Agriculture and land sector plan. Location: Melbourne
‘The government's plan seeks to scale up carbon storage, meet nature positive commitments and manage landscape outcomes at the same time. This ambition is welcome. Achieving these objectives simultaneously will require ambitious policy and proactive planning.’
Kylie Turner, Climateworks Sustainable Economies Lead and decarbonisation expert. Location: Perth
'Our 2035 emission reduction goal, and the plan to achieve it, are critical to Australia's bid to host the 31st United Nations Conference of the Parties in Adelaide in 2026. To be credible as a host of the 2026 global climate conference, Australia must show it's working on an achievable plan to move from being a fossil fuel exporter to a renewable energy superpower.'
'Delivering the sector-by-sector actions set out in the Net Zero Plan will be a foundation for showing the world that Australia is taking action to reduce emissions and is open for business in the global green economy.'
For interviews, please contact:
Ella Healy | +61 492 265 437 | [email protected]
Climateworks Centre bridges the gap between research and climate action, operating as an independent not-for-profit within Monash University for the past 15 years. Climateworks Centre develops specialist knowledge to accelerate emissions reduction, in line with the global 1.5°C temperature goal, across Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
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