Minister for Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the review by independent consultants Ricardo and Era Advisory, found the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 provides a strong foundation for climate action.
"Our Government's priority is to continue delivering for Tasmanians on strong climate change outcomes, with many actions already achieved," Minister Ogilvie said.
"This includes carrying out the actions in our climate change action plan, emissions reduction and resilience plans, and the state-wide risk assessment, recently released for implementation through to 2029.
"We will also continue reporting on climate change activities, the State's greenhouse gas emissions, and Tasmania's net zero target, in line with the Act."
The review makes seven recommendations, five of which propose amendments to the Act.
The recommended changes include options to strengthen governance of the Act and its advisory structures, further embedding climate change adaptation and resilience alongside emissions reduction, and improving reporting.
In working through the review findings, Minister Ogilvie said the Tasmanian Government will continue to strengthen action on climate change through existing legislated activities and policy frameworks.
This will include:
- Strengthening climate governance by reviewing and refreshing the Climate Change Reference Group, updating its Terms of Reference, and more public reporting of meetings;
- Maintaining the existing four year independent review cycle;
- Focusing on resilience and climate adaptation through current policies and programs;
- Continuing sector-based actions and reporting, and consider an update of technical and economic analysis to identify new emissions reduction opportunities;
- Embedding climate considerations in major government decisions by progressing the Government Climate Capability Framework;
- Improving consultation processes and ensure broader, more inclusive, ongoing participation across stakeholder groups; and
- Improving climate communications and transparency through a strengthened communications and engagement strategy.
"Tasmania's Climate Change Act includes the most ambitious emissions reduction target of any jurisdiction in Australia, and we are proud to have maintained our net zero status since 2014," Minister Ogilvie said.
"The independent review was informed by community consultation with stakeholders, through online workshops, a survey and written submissions and I thank everyone who contributed to the review process and provided their views."
The next independent review is due to commence in 2028, providing the opportunity to meaningfully evaluate the legislated programs delivered in 2024 for implementation through to 2029.
