Improved Climate Bill
The improved Climate Bill will be tabled in the Australian Parliament. It has been revised to reflect feedback from the inquiry process and introduce a new, short-term emissions reduction target of 60% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
As Zali Steggall, the independent MP for Warringah, puts it in her media release:
“Climate change is the single biggest threat to Australia’s prosperity and largest opportunity for economic development,” she said. “These bills will ensure Australia gets a share of the estimated $1.7 trillion per annum invested globally in the net zero transition.”
“The Government hasn’t done the work and is letting Australia down, scrambling to negotiate a last minute plan with the Nationals. We must act decisively in this next decade to set Australia up.”
“There is a new wave of opportunity, and we need leadership and commitment to be part of it. We need to set ambitious targets to drive investment and uptake in clean technologies.”
“I call on the Morrison Government to pass the Bills without delay and go to COP26 with a strong, responsible position on climate.”
Sharma Case Appeal to be heard
In May this year, the Federal Court found that the Minister for the Environment has a duty of care to protect young people from the future harm caused by the climate change impacts of a proposed coal mine extension project (Vickery Extension Project).
The case was brought by eight children led by Anj Sharma with the assistance of Sister Brigid Arthur, their 86 year old litigation guardian.
The day after the decision, the Minister of the Environment announced she would appeal to the Full Federal Court.
Since then, the Minister has approved the extension of three large coal mines: the Vickery Mine extension, expansion of underground mining at the Russell Vale Colliery, and expansion of the Mangoola mine.
Three judges heard an appeal from 18-20 October, and you can see progress on this Federal Court link.