Premier

Victoria Leading Charge Against Climate Change

02 November 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is keeping Victoria at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change, with our world-leading legislation taking centre stage today at a public forum.

Speaking at the forum at Parliament House, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio thanked everyone who contributed to the new legislation and reiterated the importance of ensuring the state’s policy and legislative framework grows with the expanding knowledge of climate change in Victoria.

Coinciding with the start of the Labor Government’s Climate Change Act 2017 on 1 November, the event was an opportunity to share ideas for the next stage of our climate change policy.

The event – entitled “What next for Victorian Climate Change Policy?” – was co-hosted by RMIT University and Friends of the Earth.

It brought together academics, business leaders, environmental experts and the community to discuss ways to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions going forward.

The Labor Government has legislated for net zero emissions by 2050, and interim emissions reduction targets every five years to help meet this goal.

This legislation is the first of its kind by any Government in Australia and brings Victoria’s climate policy in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Labor Government has also invested a further $25.4 million in this year’s Budget towards taking decisive action on climate change, including protecting our coasts.

Grants are available to help local communities work together to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and grow the industries and businesses that will position Victoria for a low carbon future.

This is in addition to $146 million the Labor Government has invested under the Renewable Energy Action Plan to deliver more renewable, affordable and reliable energy for Victorian households and businesses.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with our Australian-first climate legislation – and we want to make sure we continue to lead the way in reducing our carbon footprint.”

“None of this would be possible without the hard work and knowledge of some of this country’s best and brightest climate change minds.”

“Our Climate Change Act is one of ambition and action, putting us on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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