Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
WA unveils laws to mandate action on climate change
A bill has been introduced to the WA parliament that legally requires a net zero emissions target by 2050 but activists say it lacks substance.
November 30, 2023
West Australia has introduced new laws to combat global warming that require plans to enhance climate resilience and a net zero emissions target by 2050.
Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby says the Climate Change Bill 2023 will ensure WA has the right policies and strategies to enable emission reductions.
“The legislation is focused on state government accountability in policy development and reporting, and target-setting,” he said on Thursday after the bill was introduced to state parliament.
The proposed laws aim to provide a clear and consistent framework for climate action and long-term certainty for investors and businesses.
They also require annual progress reporting to parliament and interim targets, strengthening accountability.
Lock the Gate Alliance WA said the legislation failed to address WA’s single largest contribution to climate change – the gas industry.
“If the WA government was serious about combating climate change, it would be working to rapidly reverse the trend of WA’s rising emissions by refusing new and expanding fossil gas projects,” spokeswoman Claire McKinnon said.
She said the bill lacked substance about how the government would achieve its net zero by 2050 goal.