Abandoning net zero emissions by 2050 will do the most harm to people and communities experiencing disadvantage, ACOSS said today following the Nationals' decision to scrap the policy.
"This decision shows a reckless disregard for the climate crisis and the people already suffering its effects," said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.
"People and communities experiencing disadvantage, including those in regional and rural Australia, are bearing the brunt of more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, floods and fires.
"The community sector sees first hand the enormous impact climate change is having on people's mental and physical health, as well as their housing security.
"Removing support for net zero will expose the people doing toughest to even greater harm.
"We need all political parties to clearly support decisive action on climate change to reduce harm, safeguard communities and create a fairer, more resilient Australia.
"Renewables are the cheapest source of power. Relying on more expensive and dirty coal and gas, or nuclear, only increases power bills while propping up the profits of fossil fuel companies," said Dr Goldie.
"The way to reduce power bills is to accelerate access to energy efficiency, electrification and solar, prioritising those locked out.
"The Nationals should be championing faster action to protect people from harm and working with the Government to use the transition to revitalise regional communities and ensure that people and communities benefit."
