The Western Australian Labor government is facing criticism for delaying climate change legislation ahead of the state election in March 2025.
The bill, which was intended to introduce formal climate action targets, was conspicuously absent from a list of 14 legislative priorities recently circulated to MPs.
This omission has reignited concerns that the government is overly influenced by the gas industry and neglecting urgent climate action.
WA remains the only Australian state without a formal 2030 emissions reduction target, and national data reveals that, while emissions have decreased by at least 27% in the eastern states, WA’s emissions have risen by 8% since 2005.
This increase is primarily attributed to the state’s expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) export sector.
Critics argue WA’s gas industry influence hinders urgent climate action and emissions reduction targets.Modelling presented to the state government in late 2023 projected that WA’s emissions would be 20% above 2005 levels by the end of the year, further highlighting the state’s struggle to meet climate goals.
The proposed climate bill, introduced last year, seeks to formalize a net zero target for 2050, with an additional 2035 emissions target.
However, climate scientists and campaigners argue that the proposed targets and timelines fall short of what is needed to effectively address the climate crisis.
Greens MP Brad Pettitt criticized the government for not prioritizing the bill, saying it was a missed opportunity to begin addressing WA’s environmental issues.
A government spokesperson, however, stated that Labor remains committed to passing the climate bill and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, despite the ongoing opposition from the Liberals and Nationals.
Premier Roger Cook has defended WA’s approach, citing claims that the state’s gas exports are helping to reduce global emissions, though evidence for this claim has yet to be presented.