The enhanced emissions reduction target set by the government is not a strategy to counter the threat posed by the independents in the upcoming election, according to New South Wales Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean.
In an effort to hasten the switch to renewable energy, the NSW Government announced on Friday that its 2035 emissions reduction target has been raised to 70%.
Through a campaign on more aggressive climate change action, the party will be seeking to prevent a repetition of the May Federal Election, which saw teal independents demolish the Liberals.
Three months before the state election, where the government will face several teal independent candidates running in Liberal seats, the new policy was announced. Mr. Kean insisted that the target increase was not a response to that threat.
The NSW Government must demonstrate that it has a clear plan to develop a stronger, more prosperous economy and guarantee that the planet is left in better condition for future generations, he said. “This is not about teals, not about anyone other than the NSW Government,” he said.
“Any day of the week, we’ll put our strategy up against any other party or candidate.
“What we haven’t seen is any energy or climate plan from Chris Minns or the Labor Party.”
The state is on track to reduce its emissions from 2005 by half by 2030, and the government is optimistic that it will be able to meet the target of 70% in just five years.
According to Mr. Kean, the government is “committed” to the revised goal, which he claims will enhance economic growth by up to $39 billion and add 13,000 jobs by the year 2035.
The best news, he added, is that we are on track to accomplish this challenging goal because to the measures we now have in place.
The “greatest winners” of the new policy, according to the government, would be individuals who live in regional and rural NSW, with Mr. Kean saying that the “bulk” of the $39 billion will be invested in the bush.
According to Mr. Kean, the policy aims to ensure that the environment and economy are taken care of at the same time. The NSW targets are currently among the best in the nation.
He stated, “This is about investing in our future, about setting us up for even greater success, about leaving our kids a better world than we found it, and also about leaving our economy in even better shape than we found it.”
The Coalition’s support base has been “taken” by the Teal independent movement in a “vast portion.”
While Queensland only plans to reduce emissions by 30%, Victoria and South Australia have the same emission reduction goal as NSW of 50% below 2005.
The Northern Territory and Western Australia have not established a 2030 goal.
Tasmania is leading the country with a goal of reaching net zero by 2030, and the Australian Capital Territory wants to cut its emissions from 1990 by 65 to 75% by the same year.
The Commonwealth has set a target of a 43% decrease from 2005 levels by 2030, with all states and territories striving for net zero by 2050.
Mr. Kean refused to go into detail about why the government was delaying action to enact the aim, saying only that its carbon reduction strategies would guarantee the 70% threshold was met on schedule.
Because of the laws that have already been passed, he added, “We have the policies in place that will reach those targets, we’re focused on real outcomes, and we’re on course to meet this ambitious aim.”
