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. 

My Priorities

To protect our natural environment and decarbonise our economy, I’m focused on: 

• Setting an ambitious emissions reduction target by 2035 - Australia must lead with bold climate action. A strong 2035 target will drive innovation, create jobs, and help avoid the worst impacts of climate change. 

• 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.  

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.