Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Just Transition Group South Gippsland invited to present to Parliamentary inquiry

Just Transitions South Gippsland has been invited to give evidence to the parliamentary inquiry by the Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy into the Zali Steggall Climate Bills. The hearing is scheduled online on February 1 at public hearings conducted in Canberra. The invitation comes as a response to a submission (#423) made on behalf of Just Transitions South Gippsland by Dr Michael Borgas, who will give evidence and advocate the need for community-based adaptation to climate change and fair social outcomes from adaptation. 

At the same time, the Federal government has signed up to international climate risk mitigation initiatives looking to support community-based adaptation. However, this does not reduce the need for carbon emission abatement which is the prime purpose of the Climate Bills.

Dr Borgas, from Yanakie, said that the submission supports the Bill and urges that it progress and that zero net emissions targets by 2050 be adopted as soon as possible, with targets then enhanced when possible.

The submission notes opportunities to improve the Bills with better:

•First Nations engagement

•Science Integrity support

•Local community engagement

•Fast tracking not delay emission reductions to meet a carbon budget

•New R&D extension activity to inform communities of local climate resilience and capacity for emissions reductions.

Dr Borgas said that “We are in good company with the committee hearing, appearing alongside ACCOSS, ACTU, Australian Law Council, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, the ANU Climate Change Institute, The Australia Institute, Professors John Quiggin and Tim Flannery, Rosemary Lyster and Dr Will Steffen.”

“This is a great opportunity for South Gippsland voices to be heard and shows the importance of local action coupled to national leadership.”

The Just Transition Group is working with the local community toward the development of a carbon-free Transition Plan for South Gippsland.