Peter Gutwein,Premier
Tasmania is a climate leader and stands on its own in this country having achieved net zero emissions in six of the last seven years.
But the Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises that as our economy and population grows, and the risk of bushfires increase, we cannot rest on our past achievements, and we need to take further climate action to deliver the jobs and investment that will flow from a low emissions economy.
That’s why today, the Government is announcing our bold plan to legislate a target of net zero emissions from 2030. This target will be nation-leading and one of the most ambitious in the world.
Importantly, economic analysis for Tasmania tells us that such a target is credible and achievable. Investing in emissions reductions across our State can help to grow our economy by an additional $475 million by 2050, creating over 1,200 more jobs, boosting productivity and innovation, and driving new demand for our renewable energy and products.
Since 1990, our emissions have fallen 108.6 per cent, while our economy has nearly doubled, creating over 60,000 jobs. As the world seeks low emissions products, services and experiences, our plans to double renewable energy generation, export green hydrogen by 2030, and our emissions profile represent our key competitive strengths in the global transition to a low emissions economy.
The recent independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008, conducted in consultation with industry, businesses, and the community, makes seven recommendations which the Tasmanian Government will accept in full or in-principle. In doing so, the Tasmanian Government is responding to the clear message, heard throughout the review, that we can afford to take more ambitious action on climate change.
A draft Bill to strengthen our Climate Change Act will be released today for public consultation over the next five weeks. Responding to the review, it requires a Climate Action Plan and a State-wide climate risk assessment every five years, and we will develop a policy framework to ensure that Government policies, plans and strategies consider climate change.
We will continue to support business, industry, and the community to transition to a low emissions economy.
The Tasmanian Government will also support the development of emissions reduction and resilience plans for key industry sectors, to ensure we take a practical and balanced approach to the transition, as we work to secure our future.
The Tasmanian Government recognises that taking action to reduce emissions in our economy and planning for Tasmania’s future will not only address climate change, it will also improve environmental, social and health outcomes for future generations. And, if the rest of the world takes strong action to reduce emissions, then the worst impacts of climate change can be avoided.
We know we need to empower our young people to learn about the solutions to climate change, the career opportunities those solutions create, and how they can be involved in Tasmania’s global leadership on this issue.
Achieving net zero emissions from 2030 will harness our abundant natural resources to boost exports, drive investment in new technologies and skills, and deliver a stronger economy with more jobs, right here in Tasmania as we secure our future.
