THE NSW Labor Government’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill passed both Houses of Parliament with multi-party support last week, legislating ambitious emissions reduction targets and setting up a Net Zero Commission.

The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act will require NSW to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, to 70 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels and to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.

An independent Net Zero Commission will also be established to monitor, review, report on and advise on progress towards these targets.

After passing both Houses of Parliament, the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill will soon be signed into law by the NSW Governor.

“NSW Labor has followed through on its commitment to the people of NSW to take serious action on climate change and keep this government and future governments accountable for delivering on emissions reduction targets,” said Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe.

“This Bill provides the framework for NSW to embark on the essential journey to net zero emissions and better resilience to climate change.

“Climate change is an environmental challenge, but also poses an economic opportunity.

“This Bill provides certainty for industry, business, investors and all sectors of the NSW economy, and shows them they are not alone in responding to this challenge.

“I welcome the discussion and multi-party support that has led to the passage of this Bill and look forward to accelerating the transition to renewable energy that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy to households and businesses.

“The passage of this Bill shows Labor can build consensus on what is right for NSW and deliver on its key election promises, despite holding minority government.”

Greens MP and spokesperson for climate change Sue Higginson celebrated the launching of a Net Zero Commission with the power to “provide advice on coal and gas projects”.

“The Greens have led negotiations across the Parliament to ensure the bill does more than provide ornamental unambitious targets, but rather it will chart a course toward real climate action for the state,” Ms Higginson said.

“The guarantees that we have secured from the Government will mean that the community can hold decision makers to account on achieving net zero.

“The Government should always be held to account on the failure to follow laws and now young people throughout NSW can pursue the Government if they fail this duty.

“Empowering the Net Zero Commission to provide fearless and independent advice about coal and gas projects is a critical plank in ending fossil fuel reliance in NSW and something that should provide confidence to decision makers when refusing to open new projects.

“All of the amendments to this bill, through the work of all parties, have improved this new climate law for NSW and will result in better climate action.”

Farmers for Climate Action (FCA), an organisation representing more than 8000 farmers across Australia including 3100 farmers in New South Wales, welcomed the passing of the Bill.

“It’s fantastic that the Government, the NSW Liberal Party, NSW Nationals, Greens and crossbenchers worked together to get an excellent result,” FCA CEO Natalie Collard said.

“The emissions reduction target was strengthened to ensure stronger action on climate change and a more secure future for our farmers.

“We congratulate all involved and hope politicians across Australia and around the world are watching.”