Australia's climate change legislation should be passed with an added commitment to 'name and fame' sectors leading the charge to reduce emissions, the peak body for Australia's 90,000 scientists and technologists has urged.
In its submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Climate Change Bill, Science & Technology Australia strongly supports the passage of the legislation.
The peak body proposes the legislation be accompanied by a funding boost for climate science research to guide Australia's emissions transition, climate adaptation and resilience building measures.
It also wants the annual climate change statement to Parliament to include updates on emissions reduction progress by each industry sector - and an update on key climate science developments since the last statement.
"Australia's science and technology sector strongly urges Parliament to pass this climate legislation," said Science & Technology CEO Misha Schubert.
"We welcome the commitment that the 43 per cent target by 2030 is a 'floor', not a 'ceiling', for emissions reductions - and we strongly support ambitions to bolster this target in coming years."
"Climate change is an urgent threat. Australia must act concertedly in these crucial next few years to make our transition as smooth and successful as possible," she said.
"A deeper investment in Australia's outstanding climate scientists will ensure we continue to have the expertise we need to safeguard our economy, safety and prosperity."
Under the proposed legislation, the Minister will deliver an annual climate change statement to Parliament on progress towards the target.
This statement should include an update sector-by-sector to identify those making significant progress - and speed the success of transition, Ms Schubert said.
"'Naming and faming' sectors making swift strides towards the target will highlight examples of industry leaders and spur momentum in Australia's transition."
"It will also send an important message that we are all working together to achieve a common goal, and making genuine progress."
"The annual climate statement to Parliament should include an update on significant developments in climate science over the previous year, so Parliamentarians and the public can be assured policy decisions are informed by the latest science."
About Science & Technology Australia
Science & Technology Australia is the nation's peak body representing more than 90,000 scientists and technologists. We're the leading policy voice on science and technology with flagship programs including Science Meets Parliament, Superstars of STEM, and STA STEM Ambassadors.
