UnitingJustice Australia has contributed to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s public consultation into Australia’s post-2020 emissions reduction target. We argue that the primary objective of the target must be to contribute effectively and appropriately to avoiding dangerous climate change, begin Australia’s transformation to a robust and successful low-carbon economy and allow Australia to act with credibility in the continuing international climate change negotiations. We recommend that Australia adopt a target of at least 40% of 2000 levels by 2025 and commit to making the transition to a very low carbon economy by 2050. Reaching such a target will involve policy measures such as reinstating a price on carbon, reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants, strengthening the renewable energy sector and increasing support to the mitigation efforts of developing country neighbours.

UnitingJustice Australia has made a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communication in response to the Government’s Direct Action Plan. The Uniting Church believes that Australia needs to be a leader in the Asia-Pacific region in mitigating climate change. It questions the Government’s ability to achieve vital reductions to emissions through the Direct Action Policy, having deep reservations on the plan's short and long term efficacy.

UnitingJustice Australia is pleased to have the opportunity to continue our involvement in the Australian Government’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process and commend the Government on its willingness and efforts to engage with the NGO sector throughout this process.

In its submission, UnitingJustice welcomes the Government’s Clean Energy Future Legislation, particularly the greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 80% by 2050. A strong clean energy plan is crucial to begin Australia’s transformation to a low-carbon economy and allow Australia to act with credibility in the continuing international climate change negotiations.

UnitingJustice has submitted its comments on carbon pricing to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. A carbon pricing mechanism is an essential part of a package of measure to reduce our greenhouse emissions and begin Australia’s transformation to a low-carbon economy.

UnitingJustice Australia has made a submission to the multi-party committee on climate change about the carbon price mechanism. We believe that the primary objectives of a price on carbon pollution must be to contribute effectively and appropriately to avoiding dangerous climate change, begin Australia’s transformation to a low-carbon economy and allow Australia to act with credibility in the continuing international climate change negotiations.