AMCS considers Australian Election result as opportunity to reset climate change agenda

May 22, 2022

Environment / Government /

The Australian Marine Conservation Society sees the Australian Election result as an opportunity to reset agenda on climate action, bringing renewed hope for our reefs.

AMCS congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor party on their election as Australia’s next government and recognises the achievements of the Greens and teal independents in the wave of support they have received.

The result - including a surge for climate-focused candidates - shows that Australian voters are thirsting for more ambitious climate action this decade and protection for our environment.

AMCS note the election result “brings an end to a Coalition government mired in inaction, earning Australia an international reputation as a climate laggard.”

AMCS Chief Executive Darren Kindleysides advises “this result shows that Australian voters want our next government to deliver more for our life-giving, economy-supporting oceans.

“The heartbreaking simultaneous bleaching events on our east and west coast reefs in March painfully highlighted the increasing pressure our oceans face from global heating driven by the burning of fossil fuels.

“The incoming Australian government has the opportunity to listen to voters and step up to deliver swift and decisive action on the climate and the extinction crisis.”

Kindleysides said Australia had to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2035 to help ensure a pathway of no more than 1.5C of warming - a key threshold for coral reefs. Before the election, Labor committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030, and net zero by 2050.

“The tide of support for teal independents and Greens all standing on platforms of higher targets gives the Labor government the mandate and opportunity to increase its ambition,” he said.

“They can realise the potential of clean energy to bring economic opportunities to our regions and safeguard the jobs of tens of thousands of Australians who rely on healthy reefs and oceans. The science shows we must also turn our back on new fossil fuel developments if we are to have a safe climate.

“We look forward to working with the new Labor government and this new parliament to deliver results for our reefs and oceans.

“In particular, we will be supporting Labor’s pledge to invest almost $200 million on reef recovery projects across the next three years, and their promises to look after our precious environments by strengthening environment laws and protections for threatened and endangered species.

“We also look forward to working with the new government to continue progress in tackling plastic pollution, reducing the environmental impact of our fisheries and building Australia’s leadership in protecting oceans in marine parks.”

3rd March 2022 - AMCS considers UN agreement as vital for tackling plastic pollution in Australia’s wildest places

4th February 2022 - AMCS criticises State of Conservation report for its high level of spin and low level of action

15th November 2021 - AMCS and Climate Council respond to Australia’s contribution at COP26

4th July 2021 - AMCS suggests report on climate action should be a reality check for Australian Government

11th November 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society slams Federal Government’s proposed environmental policies

31st August 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Queensland’s ban on single-use plastic

19th May 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society claims Hunter Valley gas development to be a disaster for the Reef

16th April 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society calls on politicians to stop ignoring climate change

27th February 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society decries Queensland government’s decision to move forward with Palmer mine proposal

9th December 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society highlights new Federal laws banning plastic waste won’t save wildlife

9th October 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society claims Reef Inquiry confirms what was already known

8th September 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Federal Government intervention into protecting Great Barrier Reef wildlife

14th August 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society claims ACT Government is delaying comprehensive single use plastic legislation

25th May 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society would welcome additional support for reef tourism sector

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