The Australia Institute welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 (The Climate Act).

The Climate Act is modelled on the United Kingdoms’ Climate Change Act (2008). Similar legislation has been passed in New Zealand and Ireland, with Germany and Fiji currently considering similar legislation.

The Climate Act establishes a net-zero emissions 2050 target with associated plans and reporting mechanisms, proposes the establishment of an independent Climate Change Commission, adopts the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap and establishes mechanisms for the risk assessments and adaptation plans.

The Australia Institute recognises the improvements that the Climate Act will make to Australia’s existing suite of climate change policy frameworks and targets. Additionally, elements of the Climate Act 2020 could be improved to ensure the alignment of future climate policies with the best available climate change science, improved processes and mechanisms for emissions accounting, recommendations on the role of the Independent Advisory Committee and the Chief Scientist, and the value of zero-emissions technology in achieving emissions reductions.