Submissions

Submission to Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications re: Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024 

We argue that more significant changes to the present EPBC are needed: in particular we  recommend an expansion of the scope of the reforms to include a climate trigger mechanism, and suggest they change the proposed structure of EPA with a board to increase its independence.

Submission to DCCEW re its January 2024 inquiry into the

Transition to Electric Vehicles

We made nine recommendations, including a transition to higher fuel excise on heavy vehicles, and then a road use tax, based on axle weight  - both strategies to replace overall reduced revenue from fuel excise. Our submission also recomended European standards for battery recycling and reuse, and that attention should be given also to the role of electric bikes and scooters.

Submission to the Bus Industry Taskforce Inquiry

We recommended prioritising the transition to Battery Electric buses, in particular the Inner West fleet based at Leichhardt. A complete transition to Zero-Emission Buses in line with NSW State government’s reductions in transport emissions by 2030 is necessary for NSW to meet its current emissions reduction targets.

Submission to DCCEW re Reform of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation(EPBC) Act 

We recommend that advice about the climate change contribution of any action, including Scope 3 emissions, be a mandatory consideration for any approval decisions, and that the Commonwealth government has an international obligation to retain control over Regional Plans, rather than delegating to the States.

Submission to Dept of Infrastructure, Transport , Regional Development and Communications re the Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES)

We argue that linking permissible vehicle emissions to the mass of the vehicle would remove any incentive to build lighter, more efficient vehicles, and recommend that limits be linked to payloads, not vehicle mass. We also urge that the regulations be implemented at the fastest possible rate.

Submission to NSW Dept of Planning re changes to create low and mid-rise housing

We made several energy-efficient recommendations about NSW's plans for low-cost housing. In particular we recommended that BASIX s energy efficiency be extended to all housing, (removing the exemption for dwellings under 6 storeys).

Submission to DCCEEW on Climate Active review

We support the objectives of this voluntary program, and argue for stringent standards to be applied in certification, to maintain both the effectiveness of the program and the recognition that certification indicates an exceptionally high standard of emissions reduction. .

Submission to DISR  on Future Gas Strategy 

We propose that advice should be sought from scientists, not the gas industry, and argue that renewable energy projects and provide more secure long-term benefits than gas supply. We propose that a legislated decarbonisation program for Australia can promote energy security, and promote Australia as an attractive trade and investment destination.

Submission  on the Climate Change

Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2023

• Our submission calls for new conditions to be enshrined in Australia’s Climate Change Act which will impose a duty of care to protect young people from the climate crisis.

Submission  on NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 

We are very concerned that the pace of change to reduce our emissions is far too slow. We support the massive efforts to shift  our electricity supply to renewables with storage, but the task does not stop there.  This submission sets out our views on these points:

• Action under the Act should be faster 

• Commission should provide science-based advice on emissions

• Climate change targets should apply to all government decisions

• Planning decisions and mining sector could derail other climate action

Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

A Federal Human Rights framework must protect the rights of climate campaigners, currently being eroded by draconian anti-protest laws introduced in several States.

Submission to Minister for Transport, NSW, on Sydney ferries and zero emissions

Many cities around the world are operating electricity-powered ferries. There are opportunities for Sydney to do the same with its existing and new-built fleet.

Submission to Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications:  re The Fuel Efficiency Standard

Australia's current lax fuel efficiency standards are eroding moves to reduce GHG emissions. Among points we discuss is that counting emissions per kerb weight of the vehicle fails to incentivise use of lighter materials.  (submission from Derek Bolton)

Submission to Dept of Planning on Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project

AMong other poitns, we submit that extending any coal mine is incompatible with the urgent need to avoid worsening the climate crisis. We also point to the poor track record of the proponent (Glencore) of corruption, safety and environmental compliance.

Submission to Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on Safeguard Mechanism reform

We argued for tightening the requirements to reduce actual emissions and for minimise grounds for exceptions: also called for strong enforcement and audits of measuring and reporting systems.

Submission to Department of Planning objecting to the proposed extension of Ulan mine complex (near Mudgee) (modification 6)

Submission to the Federal Minister for the Environment's Review of approved NSW coal mine projects

Submission to Inner West Council's EV Encouragement Plan

Submission to NSW Environment Protection Authority on its draft Climate Change Action Plan 2022-25

Submission to NSW Dept of Planning and Environment on the Mount Pleasant mine optimisation project

Submission to NSW Dept of Planning and Environment on the Dendrobium mine extension project

Submission to Inner West Council on its Bicycle Strategic Planning Strategy

 Submission to IPC regarding proposed continuation of Glendell coal mine

Steggall Climate Change Act: Submission to House of Reps committee on Energy and Environment

Technology Investment Road Map: Submission to Government