Chris Bowen: ‘bit to go yet’ on climate bill as government prepares to introduce Bill

Australia will be a step closer to net zero on Wednesday, but there’s still a long way to go according to the climate change minister.

Labor says they could “walk away” from its climate legislation if it can’t get the support of the Greens, as the minister responsible admits there is still “a bit to go” before an emissions reduction commitment is enshrined into law.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will introduce a Bill to parliament on Wednesday to reduce Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent by 2030.

While it’s expected to pass the lower house supported by the government, it remains unseen whether it will pass the upper house given it requires the support of the Greens and the crossbench.

The Greens had held firm that 43 per cent was not a good enough target, and would require Labor to enshrine a moratorium on new coal and gas projects as part of the legislation.

Mr Bowen said the legislation that would be tabled would specify 43 per cent was the minimum – a “floor, not a ceiling”; but there will be no moratorium on coal and gas.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the government was open to continued discussions with crossbenchers on climate. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Mr Bowen said he was prepared for the possibility of the legislation not passing the Senate, but he hoped it would not come to that.

“This legislation is not essential, it’s desirable. It’s best practice. We’ve already notified the UN of our target,” he told ABC News.

“So we can... walk away (from legislation) if absolutely essential. But that’s not our intention.

“Our intention is to work cooperatively across the parliament for good climate laws.”

Mr Bowen said he had welcomed discussions with crossbenchers, and chastised the Opposition for failing to come to the table.

“There’s a bit to go yet … There will be ongoing discussions,” Mr Bowen told the Nine Network.

Greens leader Adam Bandt on Tuesday said the government needed to recognise power was shared in the senate, and the crossbench needed to be brought on-side.

Mr Bowen said while he respected Mr Bandt’s position, Labor was the one in government.

“We sought and received a very clear mandate … We won a majority in the House of Representatives and we intend to implement that mandate,” Mr Bowen said.

“But a sensible government of grown ups talks to people in good faith. I’ve been doing that with the Greens, with the crossbenchers, and I thank the independents and the crossbenchers for their engagement.

“I don’t thank the Liberal party for their engagement because under Peter Dutton there hasn’t been any.”

Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps said she was ‘really grateful’ to have had the chance to consult with government on the climate change bill. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Independent Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps said she was “really grateful” the government had “taken time” to consult with her and other independents and crossbenchers.

“I think that’s what has been expected by many people that we move forward collaboratively,” Dr Scamps said.

“There’s been a bit of movement on the draft bill, so it will be interesting to see what comes today.

“I’m excited that we’re having definitive action on climate change.”

Nationals senator Matt Canavan said the government and crossbenchers should be spending more time on driving down bills than legislating the 2030 target.

“I just feel the priorities are wrong. We are talking about a 2030 target when people can’t pay their bills next week,” he told the Nine Network.

“Why aren’t we talking about those things?”