Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill puts Queensland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets into law, committing the state to cut emissions by 30% by 2030, 75% by 2035, and reach net zero by 2050. It creates a framework for planning how key industries will reduce their emissions, establishes an expert advisory panel, and requires annual progress reports to Parliament. The bill was passed with amendment.
Who it affects
Businesses and investors gain policy certainty for long-term planning. Workers in energy, resources, manufacturing and agriculture may see their industries transition, with emphasis on creating new jobs in clean industries, particularly in regional Queensland.
Key changes
- Legislates emissions reduction targets: 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, 75% by 2035, and net zero by 2050
- Requires the Minister to set interim targets for 2040 and 2045 at least 10 years in advance, considering impacts on communities, industries and regional areas
- Creates a Clean Economy Expert Panel of up to 5 experts plus the Chief Scientist to advise on achieving targets and supporting jobs
- Mandates annual progress statements to be tabled in Parliament each December, covering both state and Commonwealth government actions
- Establishes sector-specific emissions reduction plans, with first plans due by 31 December 2025
- Does not impose direct obligations on businesses or industries — targets apply to the state as a whole
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee14 Feb 2024View Hansard
Referred to Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee
▸21 members spoke12 support9 oppose
Supported the cognate bills, noting the LNP claimed to support emissions reduction goals but offered no alternative plan and opposed every mechanism to achieve them.
“Our government's vision for Queensland's future is one that is powered by a high-performing low-carbon economy and these bills will achieve that purpose.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Supported both bills in the cognate debate, noting the LNP had indicated support but questioning what their alternative pathway was.
“I am pleased the LNP will be supporting both of these bills in cognate, but I would ask—as the member for Bonney just said—what is their pathway.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, questioning the cost and feasibility of the renewable energy targets and the government's track record on delivering major infrastructure projects.
“I rise to speak on the cognate debate on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 and the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, raising concerns about the impact of wind farms on rural communities in Southern Downs and criticising late amendments that bypassed committee scrutiny, particularly regarding renewable energy zones and Powerlink.
“The very clear message from the community was that they do not want a wind farm on their doorstep.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Supported the bills while criticising them for not going far enough, noting the Greens' plan called for 20 gigawatts by 2030 compared to the government's 22 gigawatts by 2035. Moved an amendment to strengthen public ownership provisions.
“The Energy and Jobs Plan that the energy bill legislates has some long overdue and very positive elements.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly opposed the bills, arguing the renewable energy targets are unrealistic and that the government's plans amount to privatisation by stealth. Raised concerns about the impact on regional communities and energy prices.
“I believe that is a load of crock and it has nothing to do with supporting communities.”— 2024-04-18View Hansard
Supported both bills, highlighting the Clean Economy Jobs Bill's support for jobs and Queensland's economic future, and the opportunities for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The Clean Economy Jobs Bill will support jobs and it will secure Queensland's economic future.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, questioning the government's approach to renewable energy transition and its impact on energy prices and regional communities.
“Both bills share similar goals, including to drive increased government and private investment in the state's renewable energy transition.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills as a committee member, arguing the LNP supports renewable energy in principle but does not trust the government to deliver it. Raised concerns about the government's late amendments and clause 13 of the Energy bill.
“We support renewable energy, but we do not trust this government to deliver it in any capacity.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills as important legislation to transform Queensland's energy system, dismissing the opposition's nuclear proposals.
“This is fantastic legislation and I commend it to the House.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Focused on the Clean Economy Jobs Bill, supporting its provisions to legislate emission reduction targets and ensure workers and communities are supported through the energy transition.
“It also takes leadership and direction, and that is what this bill does and the people of Queensland expect it.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, raising concerns about the impact on agricultural sectors and the economic restructuring involved in the energy transition. Urged support for LNP amendments.
“I urge support for the LNP amendments.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, seconding the contributions of the members for Bonney, Nanango and Condamine, arguing there was insufficient detail given the cognate debate format.
“Given it is a cognate debate there is only so much detail we can go into.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills, highlighting the committee's work and warning that energy assets would be at risk of privatisation under the LNP.
“The sale of our energy assets would again be in jeopardy under the LNP. I commend the bills to the House.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills from a strong environmental protection perspective, noting her background growing up during the Franklin River debate in Tasmania.
“You cannot grow up, as I did in Tasmania in the eighties, against the backdrop of the Franklin River debate and not have a strong and clear position around environmental protections.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills, highlighting the government's record in facilitating Queensland's energy transformation and the progress made so far.
“We have made a lot of progress and there will be a lot more progress because of these bills.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills, arguing only a Labor government can be trusted on the environment, energy and jobs.
“It is only a Labor government that can be trusted on the environment, on energy and on jobs.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the Clean Economy Jobs Bill, arguing it will set up Queensland's economy for the next 100 years and secure regional jobs.
“This bill will set up Queensland's economy for the next 100 years and beyond.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills and supported the amendments moved by the member for Nanango, while expressing concern about the impact on regional communities and energy affordability.
“I rise to speak in the cognate debate on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 and the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024 and in support of the amendments moved by my colleague the member for Nanango.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills for taking real action on climate change, protecting workers, and keeping energy assets in public hands to provide cheaper energy.
“They will allow us to provide cheaper energy, look after workers and take real action on climate change.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Opposed the bills, criticising the government's energy transition approach as delusional and questioning the impact on energy prices.
“I cannot believe how delusional the member for Greenslopes and the member for Bundamba are about what is happening in what they call a transition of power.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard