After ten years in operation, a review of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010 has found the legislation continues to successfully drive climate action.
Minister for Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the Act has laid the groundwork to meet the government’s emissions reduction target of net zero emissions by 2045 and interim targets.
“The ACT has come a long way over the past decade since this ambitious and world-leading piece of legislation was introduced. Since 2010 we have led the successful transition to 100% renewable electricity, reduced emissions by 40% on 1990 levels and set a path towards a net zero emissions future for all Canberrans,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“This review ensures the ACT will remain a global climate leader and makes sure we are on track to meet our future emissions reduction targets and keep our community healthy and safe.
“The review was conducted by an independent consultant and outlines recommendations so that the Act continues to drive effective action to meet the government’s climate objectives and promote greater transparency, accountability and evidence-based policy decisions.
“The government has agreed to nine recommendations, agreed in principle to one and noted two.”
These recommendations include:
- prioritising the functions of the Minister to ensure the ACT continues to meet climate change and emissions reduction objectives;
- introducing new reporting requirements to track climate change and adaptation actions and progress across multiple government directorates;
- introducing an annual Climate Change Council work plan to be developed by the council and agreed to by the Minister;
- further considering the use of sector agreements to encourage community and private sector engagement in emissions reduction activities.
