The Greens have consistently called for bold and strategic action on the climate and environment plan. Greens' advocacy has been instrumental in making the reforms announced today happen.
The Greens welcome this investment, alongside recent cost-of-living and energy reforms, and will continue to push for bold, fair climate action that delivers real outcomes for Canberrans.
We also welcome increased environmental funding, including strengthened support for environmental organisations, expanded weed management, and a boost to environmental grants.
Andrew Braddock's motion on 5 May 2025 called on the ACT Government in the middle of a fuel supply crisis to support Canberrans to replace fossil fuelled cars with electric vehicles, cargo bikes and e-scooters. Our crossbench negotiations have played a key role in securing the funding uplift announced today.
As stated by Jo Clay, Leader of the ACT Greens and spokesperson for the Environment:
"The Greens have been instrumental in negotiating funding and ensuring these critical issues stay front of mind for Labor, who historically would rather these are put on the backburner.
"If we fail to properly fund environmental protection now, we will see the impacts in declining ecosystem health, and harm to our native plants and wildlife in both the short and long term
"Canberra is fortunate to have a strong network of environmental organisations with deep, on-the-ground expertise
"Canberrans really value our wildlife and the uplift in funding for ACT Wildlife will allow them to continue their vital work including employing a part time dedicated wildlife vet.
"While we welcome the new grant funding for community weed management, and new funding for peak bodies Landcare and the National Parks Association, we also need to invest in more ACT rangers and our environmental volunteer groups, because protecting our natural environment requires boots on the ground, not just words on a page, said Ms Clay.
As stated by Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens spokesperson for Climate:
"Greens pressure works. None of these changes would've been made if it weren't for the advocacy and work done behind the scenes by the ACT Greens.
"Canberrans were clear: they expect bold, decisive climate action, and the Greens made sure their voices were heard. In the middle of a fuel supply crisis Canberrans are looking for ACT Government help to ditch fossil fuelled cars and electrify their transport.
"Today, we're seeing the Government adopt those calls. This will help Canberrans to reduce not only their emissions but also stretched household transport budgets.
"Today's announcement shows that when the community speaks and the Greens push, change happens."
"We will be watching closely when the overdue Climate Strategy is announced to ensure it delivers the same calibre of vision and action achieved under the previous Strategy, led by Greens Climate Minister Shane Rattenbury.
"The Greens will always hold Labor to account and keep pushing for the bold, transformative climate action our community expects, because now is the time to step up, meet the immediate needs of Canberrans, and plan decisively for the future, said Mr Braddock.
