Australia's Climate Change Policy

Question 1

Background to Australia’s climate change policy

Answer 1

The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) rates Australia’s climate change targets, policies and climate finance as “insufficient” as of 11 December 2023.

Question 2

Different Interpretations - United Kingdom

Answer 2

Boris Johnson told Scott Morrison Australia was denied a speaking slot at a leaders’ climate ambition summit in December 2020, because his government had not set ambitious commitments to address the climate crisis

Question 3

Different Interpretations - EU

Answer 3

“Moves towards a deal [FTA] have been sluggish during the past 12 months because of Brussels’s concerns over Australia’s climate change commitments.”

Question 4

Climate change bill

Answer 4

-Makes it law to now meet Paris agreement targets
-Outlines greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of a 43% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050
-Requires the Minister for climate change and energy to prepare and table an annual climate change statement

Question 5

Safeguard Mechanism

Answer 5

-Introduced by Turnbull government in 2016, and was amended by the Albanese government in march 2023
-Applies to 215 facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes (CO2 equivalent) covered emissions in a financial year
-A safeguard facility must keep its net emissions levels at or below a baseline level, which will decrease by 4.9% per year from 1 July 2023, or otherwise face a financial penalty
-Collectively these facilities are responsible for 30% of emissions in Australia, across industries like electricity, mining, oil, and gas extraction.

Question 6

Impact on National Interests

Answer 6

-Whilst recent amendments may have somewhat increased Australia’s international standing as it commits to its climate goals, Australia’s climate change policy has generally weakened it’s international standing over the last decade (see quotes), with it not being willing to uphold prevailing international norms