Greens Leader Adam Bandt has joined with ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay and federal candidates Tim Hollo and Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng to announce that, in balance of power, the Greens would seek to federally replicate the ACT Greens' push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Jo Clay MLA has tabled a motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly which will be debated in the next sitting.
- The motion calls for the ACT Government to endorse the global movement for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and write to the Australian Government, urging them and other states and territories to do the same.
- If passed, the ACT would become the highest level of government in the world to sign on to the call for a treaty.
- The treaty is modelled on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and would end the expansion of new fossil fuel projects, phase out existing projects fairly and in line with climate science, and ensure a just transition globally, for workers, communities and countries that have been dependent on fossil fuels.
- This would mean an end to all publicly funded fossil fuel infrastructure, including rail links and the government's new $600M gas-fired power station.
- So far municipal governments including the City of Los Angeles, City of Vancouver and City of Barcelona have endorsed calls for the Treaty, as well as more than 400 organisations.
- The proposal for a global framework to phase out fossil fuels has also been supported by 101 Nobel Prize winners, including the Dalai Lama, as well as over 1,300 scientists and academics.
As stated by Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP:
"50 years ago, the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons brought the world together behind a nuclear weapons treaty. Today the greatest threat to our existence is the climate crisis, fuelled by coal and gas.
"This treaty on fossil fuels would seek to ensure that no worker is left behind, by ensuring countries implement measures like investing in guaranteed retraining.
"Last week an International Energy Agency report made it clear that to stay within a safe climate range of 1.5C, there is no room for new coal, oil or gas infrastructure, anywhere, starting now.
"Despite this, the reckless Morrison Government announced $600 million for a new gas fired power plant. "This 'junk investment', according to the IEA, puts Australia at odds not just with science, but with the rest of the world, posing a threat to Australia's standing, trade and economy as well as our climate.
"With a strong progressive majority and a community that cares deeply about real action on climate change, the ACT's Legislative Assembly can throw its support behind establishing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Greens will push for the Federal Government to do the same.
"Canberrans have such strong climate action at the Territory level thanks to 13 years of Greens in the balance of power in the ACT. This federal election is a chance for Canberrans to achieve the same at Parliament House and get stronger progressive representation than ever before.
"Going into the next election, Australia is just 828 votes away from minority government. Voters in Canberra have a real opportunity to send a Green to the House of Representatives and push the next government to end the public service pay freeze and fully support our national institutions.
As stated by Greens candidate for Canberra, Tim Hollo:
"Having lived through fires and smoke, Canberrans know what the climate crisis looks and feels like, and anyone who loves the bush capital knows the threat that it poses to this beautiful city and everyone who lives here.
"If you don't have a plan to get out of gas and coal, you can't be taken seriously on climate action. For voters in the next federal election the choice is clear: the only way we'll get climate action in line with the science is by electing a big group of Greens to hold governments to account and pull them in the right direction.
"Canberrans have chosen a progressive majority of Greens and Labor to govern in the ACT for years now, and they've delivered the world-leading climate action that our community is crying out for. I'm excited we have an opportunity to bring that knowledge and experience into the Federal Parliament."
As stated by ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay:
"I'm proud to have been the first in Australia to table a motion in relation to this fossil fuel treaty, and that we now have a chance to lead the world in becoming the highest level of government to support the call.
"Just like declaring a climate emergency, declaring our support for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is empowering, demonstrating how even small jurisdictions can lead by joining with other cities, states and nations to speak with one clear voice.
"The aims of this treaty - to leave fossil fuels in the ground, phase out their use and ensure a just transition that leaves no member of our community behind - is exactly what the ACT Greens took to the last election because it's what's needed to ensure a safe climate for all."
As stated by Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute:
"The ACT is already a world leader with our accomplishment of 100% renewable energy last year. It would be so exciting to see the ACT build on this track record by becoming the first state or territory-level jurisdiction worldwide to call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
"Australia has the capacity to be a renewable energy superpower. If passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly, this motion will send a clear message to the Australian Government and the world that continuing to lock in fossil fuels is dangerous, and only delays the opportunities for a rapid and prosperous low carbon transition."
As stated by Rebecca Byrnes, Deputy Director of Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty:
"The ACT led the way on climate emergency declarations and is now doing the same on fossil fuels. We hope to see other cities, states and territories around Australia follow the ACT's lead.
