Thursday 4 August 2022 04:07 AM Anthony Albanese's new laws forcing Australia to cut carbon emissions by 43 per ... trends now
View
comments
New laws to raise Australia's carbon emissions cut targets have cleared their first hurdle after passing the federal parliament's lower house.
Liberal MP Bridget Archer was the only opposition member to vote with the government to pass the laws 89 votes to 55.
The Tasmanian MP said her community wanted action on climate change and it was important she use her vote to achieve this.
The laws set a carbon emissions cut target of 43 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
The 2030 commitment is a step up from the former coalition government's unlegislated 26 to 28 per cent target, while there is bipartisan support for the 2050 target.
Independent MP Zali Steggall said the 'next step' of Australia's response to climate change had to be phasing out oil, coal, and gas.
She and other independents told reporters in Canberra they wanted to see greater cooperation with the government, but praised the approach Labor had taken.
'We're still seeing in question time old-style politics play out,' Ms Steggall said.
'I don't think it impresses many of us and it certainly doesn't impress the Australian public.'
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen declared the passage of the bill 'a good day for
