Crossbenchers show support for Zali Steggall’s proposed climate change bill

Zali Steggall’s proposed private bill on climate change action has received support from two other crossbenchers.

Zali Steggall, Independent Member for Warringah, Dr Helen Haines, Independent Federal Member for Indi and Centre Alliance’s Rebekha Sharkie, Independent for Mayo. Picture: Kym Smith

Independent member for Warringah Zali Steggall’s proposed private bill on climate change action has received support from two other crossbenchers in the House of Representatives, with Rebekha Sharkie and Helen Haines signalling that they will vote for the bill should it be put before parliament this year.

On Wednesday, Ms Steggall confirmed that she planned to submit a bill modelled on the UK’s 2008 Climate Act that sets out a legislative framework to transition Australia to a low-carbon economy.

“Climate change is real for Australia, with immediate and deepening risks to our natural environment, economy and way of life,” Ms Steggall said.

“Our unprecedented early summer bushfires are a clear indication of the worst of those risks, and how they will affect some communities more than others.”

The bill would establish a climate risk assessment scheme for major sectors of the economy, an emissions-reduction target of net zero emissions by 2050 and a climate change commission designed to provide scientific advice on long-term objectives and policy.

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines told The Australian she would most likely vote for the bill if it came before parliament.

“I will support legislation that takes an evidence-based approach to reducing emissions and promoting climate adaption, especially across agriculture and health, and if it ensures regional and rural Australia is a key part of a renewable energy economy,” said Ms Haines.

“I am carefully reading Zali’s bill and I commend her for bringing it to the house.”

“This is an opportunity for all MPs to engage in a genuine nonpartisan approach to acting effectively on climate change.”

Centre Alliance MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie signalled her support for the bill on Twitter on Thursday morning.

“Similar to existing legislation in the UK and NZ this Bill will demand action and accountability from the government,” she posted.

“I am right behind Zali Steggall. This bill must be a conscience vote in parliament.”

A conscience vote allows every MP to vote on a piece of legislation without regard to party affiliations.

The crossbench MPs have long acted in concert on climate change action in parliament with all three belonging to the Parliamentary Friends of Climate Action, a forum that was founded by Ms Sharkie and former independent Wentworth MP Keryn Phelps in 2018.

The group aims to provide a nonpartisan forum for parliamentarians of all colours to meet with groups and individuals on matters relating to climate change science and policy.

Other members of the group include Liberal MPs Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski as well as Labor MPs Ged Kearney and Josh Burns.