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Climate & Environment

My Priorities

Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies

We must stop using public money to support polluting industries. Redirecting these funds can accelerate our transition to clean energy. 

Strengthening & fast-tracking environmental approvals

Environmental protections must be robust and efficient.  

Supporting renewable energy as the cheapest energy source

Renewables are not only clean, they’re cost-effective.  

Plastic packaging reform

Australia’s current approach to plastic packaging is broken. I am pushing the Government to take decisive national action this year.

The Plastic Problem Report

Download here

Curtin Net Zero Report

Download here

Curtin Net Zero Progress Report 2024-2026

Download here

Climate & Environment | My Priorities
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Climate & Environment

We need urgent action to protect our planet from the worst effects of climate change.  Making significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will also safeguard our health, economic prosperity and national security for this and future generations. 

The Government has failed to deliver on its promise to introduce significant reforms to our laws to protect the places we love and ensure more efficient approval processes.  It is particularly disappointing that, once again, politics has got in the way of the biodiversity and conservation reforms Australia needs. 

Plastics

Australians are among the highest producers of single use plastic waste per person in the world – we use and discard around 147kg in plastic each year, and recycle just 14% of it.  Households have been doing their part, but it isn’t turning the tide. We are drowning in plastic waste.   

It’s time to deal with the problem at its source. The people who design the packaging and put it on the market should be the ones responsible for it. 

I have worked with Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Member for Mackellar, to develop a practical, achievable plan built on a simple principle: the polluter pays. We are calling on the Government to introduce a mandatory, nationally harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme with enforceable targets and a producer-funded soft plastics scheme, to establish a national classification framework for chemicals in plastics and investment in research, innovation and education. The Government already has the power to act this year, using laws this Parliament has passed. And industry, environmental groups, health groups, local councils and the community are all asking for the same thing. It’s now time to act. 

 

Delivered

We’ve made progress to help protect our environment for future generations. We're on track for 43% emissions reduction by 2030 and our electricity system is now around 40% renewables. I’m proud to have helped deliver: 

  • Stronger climate legislation – with tougher laws to crack down on pollution from Australia’s biggest emitters. 
  • Efficiency standards for new vehicles – to cut new car emissions by 60% by 2030, lower fuel bills by up to $1,000, and boost EV take-up. 
  • More action on nature protection – including increased investment via a new Nature Repair Market and properly assessing big projects’ impact on water resources. 

 

Advocated

Through parliamentary speeches or amendments, engaging with Ministers, Curtin submissions or media appearances, I’ve advocated for: 

  • A more robust emissions reduction framework for big polluters. 
  • Stronger protections for our environment, including the application of a mitigation hierarchy, a recalibration of the purpose of the offset regime and a consideration of cumulative regional impact. 
  • A mandatory, national Extended Producer Responsibility scheme to make plastic producers responsible for their packaging.

Watch & Read

  • Curtin Pathway to Net Zero Progress Report 2024 - 2026 (Read here)
  • Curtin Pathway to Net Zero (Read here)
  • Curtin community submission: Fuel Efficiency Standard (to the National Energy Performance Strategy):Read here
  • Curtin community submission (Safeguard mechanism): Read here 
  • Curtin Community Submission (Active Transport): (Read here) 
  • Curtin Community Submission:  Reform of packaging legislation 
  • ABC Afternoon Briefing - Kate Chaney Criticises Woodside Gas Extension in WA on ABC's Afternoon Briefing: “Outdated Laws, Oversized Impact” (Read here) 
  • Crossbench MPs eye tax credit overhaul on major miners: Read here 
  • The Post - Secrecy, lax rules bug canopy fight (Read here) 
  • ABC Radio Drive - Nature Positive Laws and Government Accountability (Read here) 
  • The Post - Chaney says Nature Positive is teal deal (Read here)
  • The Plastic Problem: A National Plan to Reduce Plastic Use and Pollution in Australia (Read here)

 

Speeches in Parliament