New Delhi: Australian parliament has passed first climate legislation in a decade, with a pledge to cut the emission by at least 43 percent by 2030.
The Senate passed the bill with 37 votes to 26 on Thursday afternoon, with amendments from independent senator David Pocock, before being passed by the House of Representatives hours later.
Under the legislation, which still needs royal assent before it officially becomes law, will set a target greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 43 per cent by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). It also enshrines net zero emissions by 2050.
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said the legislation sends a message to the world.
“The passage of the climate change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions, and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy,” Minister Bowen said.
“It also strengthens transparency and accountability through the annual climate change statement and will ensure public debate informs government decisions” he added.
Senator, Penny Wong said that, the Albanese Government’s Climate Change Bill has passed the Senate.
“Australia is seizing the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy. The passage of this legislation is a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions”she added.
Many independents campaigned on the issue of climate change, and wanted a 2030 target of at least 50 per cent. Meanwhile, the Greens party said the passing of the bill was a “small step” in tackling the climate crisis.
