Climate trigger in Australia’s national laws called for by environment groups

Following the recent release of the Senate inquiry report on the ‘Climate Trigger Bill’, the Climate Council and the Australian Conservation Foundation are urgently calling for climate change to be a key focus in the reform of Australia’s national environment law.

The bill, introduced by the Greens, would for the first time require Australia's environment minister to consider the climate impact of a major development during the assessment process under Australia’s environmental laws.

A Senate committee has recommended the parliament vote down the bill.

The bill proposes a ban on developments that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year and a requirement for ministerial approval for any projects that would emit between 25,000 and 100,000 tonnes of C02 annually.

Greens environment spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young notes “Labor face a huge test this year – will they fix our broken environment law to stop new coal, gas and native forest logging projects or not?”

New polling commissioned by the Climate Council found there was strong support for climate change to be factored into Australia’s nature laws.

The survey of 1,201 people found 73% agreed that Australia’s national environmental laws should be designed to protect the environment from the impacts of climate change. Support among Labor voters was 83%.

Climate Council’s Chief Executive, Amanda McKenzie shared “Australians get it, our national environment law should protect our precious natural places from climate change, as one of the biggest threats they face. In 2024 it makes no sense to argue otherwise when climate impacts are already being felt all around us.

“We need a national environment law that can stop dangerous, polluting projects and say yes to important renewable and clean industry projects that are done right. Putting climate change at the heart of this law is the answer.’

Australian Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Kelly O’Shanassy adds“Australia’s revamped national environment law must be up to the task of responding to the threat climate changes poses to our unique wildlife and places.

“It is critical the new national environment protection law includes a clear requirement to consider whether projects are good or bad for the climate as part of the assessment process. Given the damage climate change does to nature, it would be reckless to do otherwise.”

But government and coalition members of an upper house committee considering the bill have recommended it be rejected.

Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, said the government had already made changes to strengthen Australia’s climate laws advising “Our strong new climate laws, developed with the Greens and independents, allow the minister for climate change and energy to stop coal and gas projects adding to Australia’s emissions.”

Legislation for new national environmental laws is due to be introduced to the parliament this year.

Image. Credit: Australian Government/ Rohan Scott, ACT RFS