Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill puts Queensland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets into law — 30% reduction by 2030, 75% by 2035, and net zero by 2050. It creates a framework for planning how different sectors of the economy will reduce emissions, sets up an expert advisory panel, and requires the government to report progress to Parliament every year.
Who it affects
All Queenslanders are affected as the targets will shape government climate and energy policy for decades. Workers in emissions-intensive industries like resources and agriculture, and regional communities, are specifically considered in the bill's target-setting process.
Key changes
- Queensland's emissions reduction targets are written into law: 30% cut by 2030, 75% by 2035, and net zero by 2050
- Interim targets for 2040 and 2045 must be set at least 10 years in advance, with the Minister required to consider economic, social, and regional impacts
- Emissions reduction plans must be developed for key sectors of the economy and published by the end of 2025
- A Clean Economy Expert Panel of up to 5 experts plus the Chief Scientist will advise the government on achieving the targets
- The Minister must table an annual progress statement in Parliament starting from December 2025, covering both Queensland and Commonwealth government actions
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
The Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee examined the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024 over approximately seven weeks, receiving 35 written submissions and holding a public hearing with 13 stakeholder groups in Brisbane. The committee recommended that the bill be passed, noting that the majority of contributors broadly supported its objectives. LNP members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing concerns about insufficient consultation requirements for regional communities and industry stakeholders regarding interim targets, sector plans, and the composition of the Clean Economy Expert Panel.
Key findings (5)
- The majority of stakeholders broadly supported the bill's objective of legislating Queensland's emissions reduction targets to provide policy certainty for investment and job creation.
- Several stakeholders, including WWF-Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, argued that the targets should be more ambitious to align with Paris Agreement goals, while the department maintained the targets represent a sustainable floor rather than a ceiling.
- The bill does not impose legally binding targets or penalties on industry, which Queensland University of Technology and the Queensland Renewable Energy Council raised as a concern, noting that voluntary schemes are generally less effective than mandated ones.
- Stakeholders raised significant concerns about the lack of legislated requirements for the Minister to consult with regional communities and industry when setting interim targets and developing sector emissions reduction plans.
- The composition and functions of the proposed Clean Economy Expert Panel attracted wide comment, with numerous stakeholders requesting broader representation including local government, First Nations peoples, agricultural and resources sectors, and young people.
Recommendations (1)
- The committee recommends the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024 be passed.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading18 Apr 2024View Hansard
▸9 members spoke8 support1 mixed
Introduced the bill to legislate Queensland's emissions reduction targets of 30% by 2030, 75% by 2035 and net zero by 2050, noting Queensland has already surpassed its 2030 target eight years early. Circulated amendments requiring public consultation on emissions reduction plans and a review of the 2030 target by end of 2025.
“Scientists have confirmed that last year was the warmest on record and last month, March 2024, was the warmest March ever on record. Every Queenslander felt it.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
As shadow environment minister, confirmed the LNP would not oppose the Clean Economy Jobs Bill, supporting legislated emissions targets as providing certainty for investment. Moved amendments to require the expert panel to include representatives from each sector required to have an emissions reduction plan and from local government.
“Around 92 per cent of the world's GDP is covered by commitments to net zero. Investment in the low-carbon energy transition surged 17 per cent in 2023. Queensland is in a fierce competition locally and internationally to secure as much of that investment as we can.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Moved a second reading amendment to defer the bill until the government commits to halt new coal and gas approvals and adopt a 75% emissions reduction target by 2030. Argued net zero by 2050 is no longer adequate and the bill ignores Queensland's coal and gas export emissions.
“When we authorise the plunder of natural resources and the destruction of country here in Queensland to export fossil fuels to overseas resource buyers we are directly causing global warming.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the bill as creating certainty for investment in clean economy jobs. Highlighted the Torres Strait communities' vulnerability to climate change and criticised the LNP's record of abolishing the office of climate change and sacking environment department staff.
“We know that 2023 was the hottest year on record for average global temperatures. Here in Queensland since 2011 we have experienced more natural disasters than any other state.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported both bills as enshrining emissions reduction commitments into law, noting Queensland has already exceeded its 2030 target eight years early. Criticised the LNP for lacking genuine climate policy.
“Setting emissions reduction targets in legislation provides certainty on Queensland's emissions reduction pathway, supporting investment by government and industry and providing jobs to support Queensland's communities.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the bill as creating certainty for investment and highlighted Townsville's history as a Solar City and hydrogen hub, with CopperString 2032 bringing clean energy to North Queensland.
“The need is now, the opportunity is here, and the Miles Labor government will take the people of Queensland with us to a clean, green energy future which they have asked for and deserve.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Supported the bill as delivering on decarbonisation while creating secure jobs. Warned that the LNP posed the greater risk to climate action in Queensland by voting against keeping energy assets in public hands.
“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
As Environment Minister, spoke to the environmental benefits of decarbonisation, noting climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Emphasised that the bill does not remove existing environmental assessment requirements for renewable energy projects.
“We have to move now. The science is clear and the climate wars should be over.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
Spoke as the daughter of a coal-fired power station worker, supporting the bill as securing the future for Central Queensland energy workers through the Job Security Guarantee. Highlighted the $62 billion investment plan with 95% of clean energy infrastructure in regional Queensland.
“When we talked that day with the workers and the unions about this plan, there was relief. There was a united sigh of relief in the room.”— 2024-04-17View Hansard
▸In Detail
Government amendments Nos 1 to 4 to the Clean Economy Jobs Bill covering: requirement for the Minister to review the 2030 emissions reduction target by 31 December 2025, mandatory public consultation on emissions reduction plans, allowing the expert advisory panel to consult any entity, and consequential references.
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Sectors Affected
Classified using AGIFT/ANZSIC Australian government standards