29th November 2023
The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC), the state's leading environmental advocacy organisation, has today welcomed the passing of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill.
"This is a milestone in the shift to a clean, green energy system powered by the wind and Sun" NCC CEO Jacqui Mumford said today.
"I applaud Minister Sharpe and the Minns Government for the leadership they have shown in delivering on their election promise and mandating NSW's emissions targets into law.
"I also applaud members of the crossbench and opposition for the many vital improvements they made to the bill, and Labor for their willingness to negotiate and prove that bipartisan support for climate action is achievable.
"In particular, we welcome amendments that have ensured:
NSW has a legislated 70% emissions reduction by 2035
the targets can be reviewed and increased over time
the Net Zero Commission can provide independent advice on projects and policies across the NSW government including, critically, approvals of any new coal and gas projects
the Premier and Minister have a responsibility to achieve the net zero target.
"The establishment of the independent Net Zero Commission will be critical to ensuring NSW is guided by the science and continues to increase ambition. We've seen the constructive role the Climate Change Authority has played at the Commonwealth level, and we look forward the NSW Net Zero Commission doing the same, by taking the day-to-day political tussle out of the target setting process.
"We're also really excited that this is the first law in Australia to recognise the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
"Rarely do we see governments able to secure such broad support for reforms. The NSW Parliament should be celebrated for this show of multi-partisanship for our collective future.
"I urge all members of the NSW Parliament to continue to work together to not just meet but exceed these targets, and ensure the transitions to a future powered by the wind and sun is fair for workers, supports households, and protects nature" Mumford said.
Statement ends
