Queensland, Australia’s second-largest state, has proposed new legislation aimed at reducing climate change emissions by 75 percent. The bill, called the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024, sets ambitious targets for emissions reduction and commits the government to establishing further targets for 2040 and 2045.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles introduced the legislation to the state’s Parliament on February 14th, highlighting the importance of protecting not only his own children’s future but the future of all Queenslanders. He emphasized the vulnerability of Queensland to climate change, citing over 100 disasters experienced since 2011, which are expected to become more frequent and intense as temperatures rise.
The proposed bill outlines specific emissions reduction targets, including a goal of reducing emissions to 75 percent below 2005 levels by June 30, 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It also mandates the establishment of interim targets for 2040 and 2045. By enshrining these targets into law, the government aims to provide policy certainty and attract investment to support the transition to a clean economy.
The Queensland opposition Liberal National Party has not yet taken a formal position on the legislation, although concerns have been raised by One Nation Australia. They argue that the policy will lead to higher electricity prices and negatively impact industries and jobs. One Nation candidate James Ashby questioned the potential impact on Queensland’s land and sea, pointing to a report from Victoria that suggested meeting net-zero targets with renewables could result in repurposing agricultural land for wind turbines and solar farms.
The proposed legislation is seen as an opportunity for Queensland to demonstrate its environmental, social, and governance credentials. The government believes that enshrining credible emission reduction targets into law will send a positive signal to investors and provide businesses and communities with the certainty needed to plan for a decarbonized future. They emphasize the potential for job creation in emerging clean economy industries such as hydrogen, critical metals and minerals, and advanced manufacturing.
Critics, however, question the feasibility of meeting these targets within the proposed timeframe. Graham Young, the executive director of the Australian Institute for Progress, suggests that legislating targets is easy but achieving them is another matter entirely. He points to recent actions by Anthony Albanese, leader of the Australian Labor Party, who repealed his party’s emissions reduction target, as evidence that targets can be easily reversed.
The proposed legislation is an important step towards addressing climate change in Queensland. By setting ambitious targets and enshrining them into law, the government aims to protect communities, mitigate the impacts of climate change, attract investment, and create new job opportunities in clean economy industries. However, the feasibility of achieving these targets within the proposed timeframe remains a subject of debate. As the bill progresses through Parliament, it will be interesting to see how stakeholders respond and whether any amendments or compromises are made.
