Tackling climate change in line with the best science
What we ranked them: C
Why: Overall, Labor has some good building blocks of climate policy, like investment in community owned renewables, but they don’t have the ambition we need to tackle climate change, and have locked us into gas for decades to come [9][10]. To up their grade, Labor should increase their emissions reduction targets to net zero by 2035, create a plan for a fair transition away from fossil fuels, and invest more funding into climate adaptation and resilience.
Ending support for fossil fuels
What we ranked them: D
Why: While gas subsidies have dropped compared to the previous Morrison Liberal Government, Labor currently has over $1.5billion set aside to develop the Middle Arm Gas Hub, a project that would facilitate the expansion of fracking in the Northern Territory [11]. During their last term, Labor approved over 28 coal and gas projects [12]. To increase their grade, Labor needs to commit to a plan to phase out existing subsidies, and make a commitment to no more coal and gas.
Land rights and First Nations Justice
What we ranked them: C
Why: While the Labor government has done some good work allocating money for ranger programs, language revival among other things, they have failed to rule out fracking in the Northern Territory using the water trigger despite calls from Traditional Owners, and have backed away from truth telling and a federal treaty process after the failed referendum [13][14][15]. To increase their grade Labor must commit to truth telling and treaty, support the implementation of Free Prior and Informed consent and support the full implementation of UNDRIP into Australian law, advocating for policies that ensure Indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination and FPIC are respected and legally upheld.
Investment in a future powered by clean and safe renewable energy (no nuclear!)
What we ranked them: B
Why: Labor has spoken out strongly against the Coalition's nuclear plans, and has solid renewable energy investments [16]. To increase their grade, Labor needs to increase their ambition on renewable energy to 100% by 2030, and keep their anti-nuclear position consistent across all areas of work, including AUKUS [17].
Addressing the impact climate change has on cost of living
What we ranked them: C
Why: Labor has increased the amount of tax claimed from fossil fuel companies compared to the previous Morrison Liberal Government [18]. However, more than 56% of fossil fuel companies are still not paying any tax on their exports [19]. In a Senate inquiry, Labor indicated interest in a polluters pay model but would not show support [20]. The Labor government has invested millions into climate resilience and adaptation, and created hundreds of thousands of jobs in the renewable energy transition [21]. To increase their grade, Labor needs to ensure that fossil fuel companies are paying taxes, ensure that companies are held accountable for climate disaster recovery, and increase their investment into climate resilience.
