Nation-leading response to climate change

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to lead the nation in our response to climate change with ambitious commitments outlined in the Climate Change (State Action) Amendment Bill 2021 being introduced into the House of Assembly today.

The Bill has been developed in response to the findings of our recent

independent review, detailed emissions and economic analysis, and extensive consultation with business, industry and the community.

Over 200 Tasmanians and organisations participated in the independent review, and over 60 written submissions were received on the draft Bill and we thank those who contributed to this process.

Central to the Tasmanian Government’s plan is our commitment to legislate a target for Tasmania of net zero emissions from 2030, which will be the most ambitious target in Australia, and one of the most ambitious in the world.

Importantly, economic and emissions analysis demonstrates that not only is our target achievable, but recommended actions to reduce emissions can also grow our economy and jobs through increased productivity and demand for Tasmania’s renewable energy and products.

A whole-of-economy target provides a flexible approach that recognises different sectors have different opportunities to reduce their emissions, and some will require more time, support and technology to transition to a low emissions future.

While the Government will not legislate sector-based targets, the Bill does legislate the requirement for sector-based Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plans, to be developed in partnership with industry, including for energy, transport, agriculture and industrial process sectors.

Importantly, we will develop an Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan for Government Operations, to continue to lead by example, including actions the Government is already taking to reduce emissions, such as transitioning our vehicle fleet to 100 per cent electric vehicles by 2030.

In addition to the target and sectoral plans, the Bill proposes a number of key amendments:

• consolidating the objects of the Act, including explicit reference to local government and the consideration of future generations;
• a requirement to prepare a climate change action plan every five years, including in accessible formats for children and young people, to ensure we continue to take action to grow a climate-ready economy, reduce emissions and adapt to climate change; and
• a requirement to undertake a state-wide climate change risk assessment every five years.

Responding to consultation feedback the Bill includes a number of measures to increase the transparency and accountability of our response, including a requirement to table in Parliament additional annual reports on emissions and climate action.

The Tasmanian Government will continue to support industry, businesses, and our community to continue the transition to a low emissions economy and become more resilient to a changing climate.

As the next step in delivering our plan, we intend to hold our first meetings with industry working groups to begin developing Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan, prior to the Bill being debated next year.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is proud to deliver a nation-leading response to climate change that is serious about using our natural advantages to reduce emissions, protect our lifestyle and environment, grow our economy and jobs, and secure Tasmania’s future.