New independent senator David Pocock reveals wishlist for climate laws

The former Wallaby turned independent senator could decide the fate of a major new law that will impact every Australian.

The senator who could decide the fate of Labor’s climate change legislation says he wants it to include a “ratchet mechanism” to scale up its ambition.

The Albanese government will this week introduce laws to parliament to enshrine its 43 per cent by 2030 emissions reduction target.

Labor has the numbers to pass the Bill in the lower house, but it will need support from the Greens and one independent in the Senate.

Independent senator David Pocock could be the kingmaker when the Bill is voted on in the upper house, which may not be until later this year.

The former Wallaby turned pro-climate action senator said he was “really keen” to see a mechanism within the Bill to help it increase the size of its emission reductions targets over time.

“I’ve been very open saying I don’t think 43 per cent is enough,” he told the ABC on Monday.

“But there is a community expectation that we do legislate something we need certainty for investment and for our community and actually get on the path of being good international citizens.

“We need to be able to ratchet this up over time”

David Pocock could decide the climate Bill’s fate in the Senate. Picture: Supplied via Bob Brown Foundation

Senator Pockock signalled he wouldn’t support any amendments from the Greens that would ban new coal or gas projects, saying that debate could be held separately.

“Clearly, if we listen to scientists we can’t have any new coal or gas projects,” he said.

“I certainly think it needs to be a conversation that’s potentially down the track with reform around the EPBC (Act).”

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has committed to overhauling the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act — Australia’s main environmental law — in response to an independent review.

The Greens want the reformed EPBC Act to include a “climate trigger” in that would require the climate impact of new projects to be taken into account before being approved.

Adam Bandt says the Greens are still working on their response to Labor’s climate bill. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The party is this week formulating its own response to Labor’s climate Bill.

The Greens have been adamant that the 43 per cent target is too low and firm in their opposition to any new coal or gas projects.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said on Monday that his party was yet to reach a consensus, but it was approaching its discussions with the government “in good faith”.

“The big issue is getting an understanding in this parliament from the government that we can’t keep opening new coal and gas projects,” Mr Bandt said.

“Now we are open for discussions about how that might happen … At the moment we’re not even at square one.”

Labor supports the fossil fuel industries, a position it maintains is compatible with ambitious climate change action.