As NSW heads to the polls, we've taken a look at where different parties and candidates stand on climate change. Think of this like a school report card: "A" represents the best action in line with the climate science, while "F" means failing to take action.
Our generation is growing up facing the impacts of climate change here and now. We are calling on all parties at all levels of government to commit to ambitious action on climate change. To reflect the best climate science and principles of climate justice, that looks like:
- No new coal, oil or gas projects - including stopping coal seam gas development in the Narrabri region
- 100% renewable energy by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2035
- Supporting fossil fuel workers and communities into climate positive jobs with fair pay, training opportunities and long-term security
- Supporting households to transition to affordable clean energy, particularly in communities already feeling the heat from climate change, like Western Sydney
The Greens
#1 | Support for no new coal or gas projects
What we ranked them: A
Why: The Greens have a policy against any new fossil fuel developments in NSW.
#2 | Renewable energy and net zero emissions targets
What we ranked them: A
Why: The Greens' website states a target for 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2035, with an interim goal of 75% (on 2005 levels) by 2030.
#3 | Supporting households with clean, affordable energy
What we ranked them: A
Why: The Greens are advocating for a combination of energy efficiency measures and support to retrofit homes with clean, efficient energy. This includes a push for minimum standards in rental homes for energy efficiency and climate resilience.
More policy information can be found on the party website.
Victoria Davidson - Independent
#1 | Support for no new coal or gas projects
What we ranked them: A
Why: Victoria Davidson has a clear stance against new fossil fuel projects as part of her climate change policy platform.
#2 | Renewable energy and net zero emissions targets
What we ranked them: B
Why: Victoria supports a target of net zero emissions by 2040, with a legislated target of 60% by 2030.
#3 | Supporting households with clean, affordable energy
What we ranked them: A
Why: Support for households and businesses to electrify and move away from gas, as well as supporting an equitable transition to clean energy, is part of Victoria's policy platform.
More policy information can be found on the candidate's website.
Labor
#1 | Support for no new coal or gas projects
What we ranked them: D
Why: NSW Labor has publicly stated their support for coal seam gas expansion in the Narrabri region of NSW, at a time when we need to be transitioning away from fossil fuels as soon as possible. The Labor Party has indicated opposition to the PEP 11 offshore gas project. To increase their score, Labor should act in line with the best climate science and commit to a policy of no new fossil fuels, with support for communities and workers in the transition away from coal and gas.
#2 | Renewable energy and net zero emissions targets
What we ranked them: C
Why: The Labor Party has a renewable energy target 50% by 2030 and "as close as possible" to 100% by 2050. They also have a target of net zero emissions by 2050, which they have pledged to enshrine in legislation. To improve their score, the Labor Party should explore policy mechanisms to increase the speed of the transition to renewables.
#3 | Supporting households with clean, affordable energy
What we ranked them: B
Why: Labor has pledged an increase in investment in publicly-owned renewable energy developments and pushing for clean energy to power 3 million homes by 2030. They have also pledged to develop a statewide strategy to support households to electrify and move away from gas. Additionally, they've pledged to start consultation on minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes. To increase their score, the Labor party could make commitments to provide targeted support to households in heavily climate-impacted regions like Western Sydney.
More policy information can be found on the party website.
Liberal National Party
#1 | Support for no new coal or gas projects
What we ranked them: D
Why: The LNP has approved the expansion of fossil fuels in NSW, in particular supporting coal seam gas expansion in the Narrabri region and associated infrastructure. Whilst they have pledged to ban offshore coal and gas developments (reference), this will not prevent fossil fuel expansion onshore across the state.
#2 | Renewable energy and net zero emissions targets
What we ranked them: C
Why: The LNP has a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of 70% reduction by 2035, though this is not legislated. To improve their score, the LNP should explore policy options to hasten emission reduction and enshrine their targets in legislation.
#3 | Supporting households with clean, affordable energy
What we ranked them: C
Why: The LNP has pledged to unlock more funding for rooftop solar and community batteries that would assist renters and home-owners transitioning to clean energy. As with Labor, they've pledged to start consultation on minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes. Despite testing some pilot programs, they have not yet committed to a statewide strategy that would help homes transition away from gas. Lane Cove candidate Anthony Roberts is the current NSW Planning Minister, and last year decided to scrap a requirement for fire and flood risk to be considered when building new homes.
More policy information can be found on the party website.
Authorised by A Fuller, Suite 203, 59 Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW.
AYCC is an independent, non-partisan community organisation advocating for all parties and candidates to act on climate change in line with the best science.
