Emissions reduction target an important indicator of government’s priorities (12 September 2025)

12 September 2025  

Emissions reduction target an important indicator of government’s priorities: Chaney  

With the federal government expected to reveal its 2035 emissions reduction target next week, Independent Member for Curtin Kate Chaney is urging the government to set a strong goal that will drive innovation, job creation and protect communities from worsening climate events.  

“Australia needs robust emissions reduction targets to meet our obligations under the Paris Agreement to limit further heating of the planet,” Ms Chaney said.  

“Successive Liberal governments squandered a decade of climate action, and now we’re at risk of a timid Labor Government that only seeks to exceed the low bar set by the Opposition. 

"The setting of Australia’s 2035 goal is an important indicator of the government’s long-term priorities. Setting a low target will do nothing but appease vested corporate interests, such as coal and gas companies." 

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) need to be more ambitious than the current targets, as this may be the last opportunity to keep the world on track with a global emissions trajectory in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C goal. 

“Committing to a strong, science-led target would protect communities from devastating climate events while shoring up forward-looking economic opportunities,” Ms Chaney said. 

“This next decade is crucial.  Anything less than a commitment to a 75 percent reduction target by 2035 is an admission that we are giving up on protecting the planet; we’re taking what we have for granted.”  

The Albanese Government is bidding to host COP31 climate discussions next year in Adelaide alongside Pacific Island Nations.  

“If selected to host COP31, Australia will have a unique opportunity to work with our Pacific neighbours for the long-term protection of nature and people from the harshest impacts of climate change,” Ms Chaney said.  

“The Prime Minister has spent the last week emphasising the important relationship we have with Pacific Island leaders, while failing to inform them of Australia’s 2035 target.   

“Our allies in the Pacific are looking to us for sincere, purposeful and transparent climate leadership. Australians, especially young Australians, are looking for bold political leadership that sets a path for a positive future, not just the bare minimum.” 

ENDS  
 
Media enquiries: 
Cade Smith | Media and Communications Adviser 
cade.smith@aph.gov.au | 0408 997 003