Representatives of climate, environment, social service groups and unions have called on the Albanese government to set a strong 2035 target that aligns with the science.
Australian Conservation Foundation climate program manager, Gavan McFadzean:
"A strong science based 2035 emissions reduction target will keep Australians safer from the impacts of climate change and send a strong market signal that drives investment in the clean energy tech and manufacturing industries to replace coal and gas for domestic energy and exports."
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) national secretary, Michael Wright:
"Strong targets make good jobs. Australia needs 42,500 extra electrical workers by 2030 for energy transition. Strong targets set a clear direction, giving industry certainty to hire and train the next generation of electrical workers in well-paid, secure jobs."
Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie:
"The community sector is seeing firsthand the severe toll climate change is taking on people's mental and physical health, quality of life, housing and cost of living, and have united in calling for the government to aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. The future and wellbeing of people in Australia is squarely in the government's hands. Adopting a strong 2035 target and more equitable and inclusive climate change policies is crucial."
Australian Services Union (ASU) assistant national secretary Scott Cowen:
"We need strong targets so Australia can lock in the economic certainty needed to get on with the creating the jobs of tomorrow. ASU members work across our community and are all impacted by climate change in their own way, whether they be directly affected working in our power stations or in local government dealing with climate adaptation, or community sector workers supporting some of our most vulnerable Australians. We need strong action on climate change guided by what the science tells us is needed to avoid environmental disaster, and in doing so make sure we have the conditions we need set to provide secure, well-paid jobs for workers as a key part of the nation's clean energy future."
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie:
"Australia was late to tackling our climate pollution after a decade of inaction from 2013-2022, so a science-aligned reduction curve is now steep. Yet the strength of the 2035 climate target set by the Albanese Government will shape the future of every Australian. With every fraction of a degree of global heating, we can expect more deadly climate disasters. Already this year, Australians have faced destructive flooding in New South Wales and Queensland, drought in South Australia and Victoria, and devastating marine heatwaves across three states. A strong 2035 target, with clear plans to meet it, is vital to protecting vulnerable communities from further climate harm. A weak climate target is not a passive choice. It's an active commitment to global climate disruption and damage. Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown."
Climate Councillor, Professor David Karoly:
"Australia's 2035 climate target must be as strong as possible to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Anything less will result in catastrophic climate consequences, like more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, and dangerous bushfire weather with more lives lost. The stronger the emissions reduction target, the safer we are from climate risk. The longer we delay genuinely deep and sustained cuts to climate pollution, the harder it becomes to protect communities from escalating climate impacts. That's why we must do everything we can, as fast as we can to protect people and the places we love."
