Chris Minns calls for NSW carbon emissions reduction targets to be made law

Labor has thrown down the green gauntlet to Premier Dominic Perrottet, pushing for the state’s carbon emissions reduction targets to be enshrined in law.

Labor has declared it will legislate the state’s carbon emissions reduction targets while also setting up a Net Zero Commission, as the party moves to reclaim its climate credentials.

While Liberal Treasurer and Environment Minister Matt Kean said the state’s carbon emissions reduction targets were covered in regulation, the ­opposition said the government’s pledge of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, along with the 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions on 2005 levels by 2030, were merely “aspirational”.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns wants NSW’s emissions targets enshrined in law. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Adam Yip

Opposition Leader Chris Minns said the commitment by Labor posed an important ­opportunity for Premier Dom­inic Perrottet to demonstrate his commitment to tackling climate change by supporting the move to enshrine the emissions reduction targets into law.

Labor has argued the move would give business, industry, and the environment ­certainty, regardless of who was in power.

The opposition will move a private members bill, which will also include establishing a Net Zero Commission to ­develop the plan to net zero by 2050.

The commission would update the plan every five years and have the power to make recommendations to the government of the day on how to more effectively meet targets; support diversification of local economies, job creation and job protection; ensure mining communities received a fair share from royalties; and set targets for the government’s own energy use.

The bill would also require the Net Zero Commission to report annually to Parliament, and the NSW Government to provide its response at the same time.

Premier Dominic Perrottet with Environment Minister and Treasurer Matt Kean. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Mr Minns said business and industry deserved certainty about climate targets.

“Legislating our targets provides that certainty,” he said. “Labor’s bill is very reasonable and mirrors similar approaches already taken in Victoria and the ACT.”

The commitment follows national polls that show climate is a major concern among voters.

At a state level, Mr Kean has dominated the climate agenda since taking on the ­Energy and Environment portfolios.

However, Labor expects those roles to be passed on at the next reshuffle, leaving Mr Kean with Treasury.

Opposition energy and climate change spokesman Jihad Dib said enshrining the targets in legislation would ensure they remained in place.

“We have to go beyond aspiration alone and through this action,” Mr Dib said.

Climate is expected to be a key issue in the upcoming Bega and Monaro by-elections.

Opposition environment spokeswoman Penny Sharpe urged the government to support the bill.

“This proposal is legislating what the government has committed to and provides a mechanism to deliver it,” she said.

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