Qld Premier Steven Miles moves to legislate 75pc emissions reduction target

Premier Steven Miles has moved to legislate Queensland’s ambitious 75 per cent emissions reduction target, putting pressure on the Opposition to outline its policy.

• Australia’s emissions questions answered

Premier Steven Miles has moved to legislate Queensland’s ambitious 75 per cent emissions reduction target, putting pressure on the Opposition to outline its climate policies ahead of the October state election.

Mr Miles on Wednesday introduced the Clean Economy Jobs Bill, the first by his government, to legislate an emissions reduction target of 75 per cent on 2005 levels by 2035.

The Premier said the Bill would help make Queensland a world leader in the uptake of clean energy and address the intensifying natural disasters battering the state.

“As the state’s premier, I think it is important to protect not just my children’s future, but also all future Queenslanders,” he said.

“Queensland is already the most disaster-affected state – we have experienced more than 100 disasters since 2011.

“The kinds of disasters we know will be more regular and more intense as average temperatures increase.”

Mr Miles said the Bill would ensure the jobs of workers transitioning to renewable energy projects would be protected and help secure ongoing global investment in our manufacturing, agriculture, and resources industries.

Premier Steven Miles (left) and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli

The Bill will go to a parliamentary committee for consideration before returning to the Legislative Assembly for a vote that Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said would indicate the opposition’s approach to climate action.

“Queensland wants to know, they deserve to know... will the LNP leader support our plan on climate action?” Mr de Brenni said.

“Will (Mr Crisafulli) in fact be a leader on this issue... or will he stand up to his rabble of sceptics and deniers and cookers?”

Climate Council Head of Advocacy Jennifer Rayner said placing the agenda into law provided crucial confidence for businesses to invest in the energy transition.

“Queenslanders will benefit from the bright, clean energy future that this law enables with rapidly growing industries that are creating regional jobs for generations to come,” she said.

“This will build on the momentum already underway across Queensland, which is delivering new industries and jobs in places like Townsville, Gladstone and Mackay.

“Working together now to cut climate pollution and keep communities safe from worsening extremes is sensible, responsible, and economically smart.”