❓ Hon Tim Clifford questions the Minister for Environment regarding the timeline, resources, and potential inclusions (renewable energy target, net zero emissions, fracking ban) for the new climate change policy. The Minister responds by highlighting the government's commitment, existing resources, and consideration of a national approach.
AnsweredQoN 1338Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
1338. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the minister's
announcement yesterday that the Department of Water and Environmental
Regulation's climate change unit will develop a new climate change
policy over the next 12 months.
(1) I have asked
numerous questions in this place about the government's intentions on
climate change policy development and have been assured that significant
amounts of work have already been undertaken, including stakeholder
consultation and a stocktake of climate change actions. Could the minister
please explain why this policy will take a further 12 months to develop?
(2) Will
additional resources be provided to the climate change unit to fast track the
development of the policy; and, if so, will the minister please detail the
extent of these resources?
(3) Will the
minister consider introducing a renewable energy target, a net zero emissions
target or a statewide ban on fracking as part of the climate change policy?
1338. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the minister's
announcement yesterday that the Department of Water and Environmental
Regulation's climate change unit will develop a new climate change
policy over the next 12 months.
(1) I have asked
numerous questions in this place about the government's intentions on
climate change policy development and have been assured that significant
amounts of work have already been undertaken, including stakeholder
consultation and a stocktake of climate change actions. Could the minister
please explain why this policy will take a further 12 months to develop?
(2) Will
additional resources be provided to the climate change unit to fast track the
development of the policy; and, if so, will the minister please detail the
extent of these resources?
(3) Will the
minister consider introducing a renewable energy target, a net zero emissions
target or a statewide ban on fracking as part of the climate change policy?
AnswerView source ↗
I provide the following answer on
behalf of the Minister for Environment.
(1) Climate
change issues cut across numerous sectors, impacting most areas of our economy,
society and environment. The McGowan government takes climate change seriously
and is committed to playing a positive role in developing an effective and
carefully considered policy. Although many climate change issues are already
being addressed by state agencies, industry and the community, it is critical
that future climate risks and opportunities are carefully considered as part of
the development of a new state climate change policy.
(2) Since coming
to power in 2017, the McGowan government has re-established and resourced the
climate change unit in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation,
which now has six full-time positions overseen by a director and executive
director. The new positions were created to support the development of policy
advice to the government and are currently considered to be sufficient. Should
additional resources be required, this will be reconsidered.
(3) As I have
previously stated on numerous occasions in this place, the McGowan government
considers a national approach as the most efficient and effective way to
deliver on Australia's international commitments to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. A broad range of policy objectives will be considered in the
development of a new climate change policy as part of the process. The McGowan
government has delivered on its election promise to ban fracking in Perth, Peel
and the south west, and, in line with the findings and recommendations of the
independent scientific inquiry, will be introducing world-class standards to
regulate the industry in other parts of the state.
behalf of the Minister for Environment.
(1) Climate
change issues cut across numerous sectors, impacting most areas of our economy,
society and environment. The McGowan government takes climate change seriously
and is committed to playing a positive role in developing an effective and
carefully considered policy. Although many climate change issues are already
being addressed by state agencies, industry and the community, it is critical
that future climate risks and opportunities are carefully considered as part of
the development of a new state climate change policy.
(2) Since coming
to power in 2017, the McGowan government has re-established and resourced the
climate change unit in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation,
which now has six full-time positions overseen by a director and executive
director. The new positions were created to support the development of policy
advice to the government and are currently considered to be sufficient. Should
additional resources be required, this will be reconsidered.
(3) As I have
previously stated on numerous occasions in this place, the McGowan government
considers a national approach as the most efficient and effective way to
deliver on Australia's international commitments to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. A broad range of policy objectives will be considered in the
development of a new climate change policy as part of the process. The McGowan
government has delivered on its election promise to ban fracking in Perth, Peel
and the south west, and, in line with the findings and recommendations of the
independent scientific inquiry, will be introducing world-class standards to
regulate the industry in other parts of the state.
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