WA’S Freo-based Greens are hoping to shame the Cook government into progressing its stalled Climate Change Bill by tabling their own version – complete with a new title that stakes their claim as the state’s climate champions.
Freo-based Greens MLC Sophie McNeill says tabling The Greens Climate Action This Decade Bill 2025, in the Legislative Council aims to “force” WA Labor to defend an “abysmal record” on climate action given its bill has languished since being tabled two years ago.
The Cook government introduced the bill in November 2023 to align with the Paris Climate Agreement, including a 1.5 degree cap on warming and net-zero emissions from the state by 2050.
The Greens say the delay’s not good enough and goes against community expectations.
• Greens MPs Sophie McNeill, Brad Pettitt, Jess Beckerling and Tim Clifford.
“The 42nd parliament has a strong mandate for climate action… WA voters made it clear that they are deeply concerned about our environment and the climate impacts we are already experiencing,” Ms McNeill said.
“The science is crystal clear… we must drastically reduce our emissions this decade to avoid the worst impact of warming and ensure a safe climate for our children.
“The Cook government cannot continue to ignore this advice… it must set a 2030 target, just as every other state government in Australia has done.”
The Greens’ new bill includes an ambitious 2030 emissions reductions target, a renewable energy target for the same year, and also includes a request for an “independent expert advisory body” to advise government.
In a statement to the Chook, Ms McNeill also took aim at the state government’s involvement with gas giant Woodside, after its plans for its North West Shelf extension were approved by the Federal government following state recommendation
“It is shameful that the Cook government has spent more time in the last few years listening to Meg O’Neill and Chris Ellison than climate experts,” she said.
“We need WA Labor to start taking climate action seriously and prioritise the future of our kids, our farmers, and our beautiful WA environment over the profits of Woodside shareholders.”
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER