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Inquiry set to review climate change bills
A standing committee has called for submissions for an inquiry into two climate change bills following an independent MP’s call for the Morrison government to join the many political parties across the country that are aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Naomi Neilson
The standing committee for environment and energy has requested submissions into its inquiry examining two climate change bills, sponsored by Warringah’s independent MP Zali Steggall OAM. The bills were introduced into Parliament earlier this week after several delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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The draft legislation is due to approve net-zero emissions by 2050 and set up a climate change commission. Although Liberal and Labor governments across the country are committed to the goal, Ms Steggall said Prime Minister Scott Morrison will not join.
“If he’s not willing to step up with the government, then open it up to a conscience vote and let MPs represent their electorates because climate change is a moral issue. This is a question of our ultimate long-term safety,” Ms Steggall told ABC Radio.
The bill would include risk assessments so that Australians could understand the effect that climate change is likely to have on the economy and will include the government’s own road map in the draft legislation. The consequential bill seeks to amend a number of Commonwealth laws to reflect the changes made by the substantive bill.
Committee chair Ted O'Brien MP noted that the bill proposes a change in the way that Australia manages climate change, and the committee looks forward to all views.
Over the last year, the committee has managed parliamentary inquiries into bushfires, nuclear energy and feral cats and has also inquired into the climate change bills on its scope 3 emissions proposed by Andrew Wilkie MP.
“As always, the committee will be assessing information presented with dispassionate independence before drawing conclusions,” Mr O'Brien said.
