ACOSS welcomes the Greens' climate and energy commitment to fight the climate crisis and cut climate emissions to net zero by 2035, but calls for greater equity in its implementation.
"The Greens' climate and energy plan outlines clear measures to address the climate crisis and limit global warming to 1.5C," said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
"We're seeing first hand the toll climate change is taking on people, impacting their mental and physical health, cost of living, housing, and quality of life, as well as the increasing cost to government and the economy.
"People and communities experiencing disadvantage are impacted first, worst, and longest. Failure to reduce climate pollution faster will increase poverty and inequality and wreck the economy.
"We strongly support net zero by 2035 targets, a moratorium on new coal and gas, ending fossil fuel subsidies, establishing a not-for-profit energy retailer that sells 'cost price electricity', greater investment in public transport, and plans for more affordable insurance.
"We also welcome proposals to provide greater support for households, including social and public renters, to access measures like solar and electrification.
"However, we urge the Greens to build in greater equity and protections in these proposed policies to ensure people with the most need receive most benefits.
"This includes taper and means-test grants for households to electrify, and a cap on rent increases in exchange for landlords accessing loans for solar, and additional measures for people on low-income to afford insurance.
In addition, ACOSS calls on all parties and candidates to:
- Fully fund social housing energy upgrades, prioritising First Nations social housing.
- Fund targeted and conditional measures to ensure people in private rentals and low-income homeowners can access thermal efficiency, efficient electric appliances and solar.
- Shift the costs of existing subsidies off electricity bills, and fund them directly by government budget.
"We must also ensure community service organisations are adequately funded to help communities respond, recover and build resilience to climate change impacts," said Dr Goldie.
"In particular we need greater recognition and support for First Nations Communities to participate in solutions, build resilience and benefit from the transition to clean energy.
"Policies to tackle climate change must be fast but also fair and inclusive so we can build social licences for a faster transition and create a more equitable and prosperous society."
