The Premier has today in Budget Estimates indicated that he isn't aware of any existing net-zero targets in NSW despite the Energy and Utilities Administration Regulation 2021 setting out that the Net-Zero Emissions Board must report on achieving emissions reductions objectives of 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.
Greens MP and spokesperson for Climate Change Sue Higginson said "It is very concerning that the Premier is clearly confused about what NSW is already doing in response to the biggest policy issue we face, and that the existing legislated targets are stronger than what is being proposed by the Minns Government,"
"The former Government included 2030, 2035 and 2050 objectives in the responsibilities of the Net Zero Emissions Board precisely because the policy settings at that time were already on track to achieve those objectives. This Government is simply moving weaker targets from the regulation and into an act and the Premier doesn't seem to be aware of this,"
"The Government's proposed new climate laws, that pose targets of 50% reduction of emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, are the subject of an Upper House inquiry that will report on 17 November, before they are voted on by the Parliament,"
"Climate change is here and is impacting communities across the State right now. The Premier needs to get a grip on the existing targets in NSW for emissions reductions if we are to have any confidence that his Government is actually moving forwards on climate action. At this stage, he is arguing that there is no current target and that is demonstrably a mistaken position," Ms Higginson said.
