Australia's climate change policy to 2021: a chronology

15 May 2023

PDF version [1.4MB]

Elizabeth Smith and Stephen McMaugh
Science, Technology, Environment and Resources

Contents

Introduction
Glossary
Chronology
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s

Introduction

In 2016, the Parliamentary Library published the Australian climate change policy to 2015: a chronology, covering the years 1972 to 2015.[1] This publication provides an update to the chronology and expands it to include 2016 to 2021.[2]

The world’s climate is changing. Globally, the Earth’s surface air temperature has warmed by over 1 °C since the 1850s.[3] These changes are resulting in associated changes in global weather and climate extremes.[4] The international scientific community accepts that the progressive warming of the climate has been predominantly caused by increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.[5] In 2021, the United Nations body for assessing climate change science, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), found ‘it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred’.[6]

In Australia, the climate has warmed an average of 1.47 ± 0.24 °C between 1910 and 2020.[7] Australia is experiencing the effects of the changing climate, with an increasing frequency of extreme heat events, increasing frequency and severity of dangerous bushfire weather conditions, rising surface temperatures and acidification of surrounding oceans, rising sea surface levels, and increasing intensity of heavy rainfall events.[8] These are some of the changes that have been observed in Australia, and detailed analysis has projected that these climate extremes will continue to increase in the future.[9] These changes present a significant risk to both the environment and the health and wellbeing of the Australian population.[10]

To slow the progress of climate change and reduce the future impacts of global warming, significant and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are required.[11] The IPCC states that ‘unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5 °C or even 2 °C will be beyond reach’.[12]

Australia has accepted its role in the global responsibility to address climate change, committing to international climate change agreements and participating in negotiations. Australia signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Rio Earth Summit on the day it was opened for signature on 4 June 1992.[13] The UNFCCC is an international climate change treaty that sets out a framework to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and prevent ‘dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system’.[14] Australia has subsequently signed the 2 main climate change treaties that are under the UNFCCC – the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and its successor, the 2015 Paris Agreement.[15]

Under the Paris Agreement, Australia has committed to take measures with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 °C, and preferably to 1.5 °C, above pre-industrial levels.[16] The Paris Agreement requires parties to submit national emission reduction commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).[17] The Albanese Government updated Australia’s NDC in June 2022 with targets to:

reduce national emissions by 43% below 2005 levels (by 2030)
by 2050, reduce national emissions to net zero by 2050.[18]

Over the years, the Australian Government has undertaken numerous actions and multiple policies have been proposed to address climate change. Recent overviews are included in the Parliamentary Library’s Briefing book for the 47th Parliament articles on climate change and emissions reduction, and natural disasters and climate risk, and the most recent Budget review (October 2022–23) article on climate action and natural disaster mitigation.[19]

This updated chronology provides a timeline of Australia’s climate change policies, targets, and other key domestic and international developments to provide global context. As with the earlier chronology, it is focused on government and opposition-related policy and is not intended to be a comprehensive record of policies proposed by all parties or parliamentarians in Australia.

Glossary

AEMC	Australian Energy Market Commission
AGO	Australian Greenhouse Office
ALP	Australian Labor Party
ARENA	Australian Renewable Energy Agency
CCA	Climate Change Authority
CEFC	Clean Energy Finance Corporation
CER	Clean Energy Regulator
CFI	Carbon Farming Initiative
COAG	Council of Australian Governments
COP	Conference of Parties
CPRS	Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
CSIRO	Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
ERF	Emissions Reduction Fund
ETS	Emissions Trading System/Scheme
Government	Australian Government
IPCC	Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
LPA	Liberal Party of Australia
MRET	Mandatory Renewable Energy Target
NDC	Nationally Determined Contribution
NEG	National Energy Guarantee
NGRS	National Greenhouse Response Strategy
NGS	National Greenhouse Strategy
RET	Renewable Energy Target
UN	United Nations
UNFCCC	United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Chronology

Milestones	Details		Source documents
1970s
June 1972	*‘Stockholm Declaration’ acknowledges the relationship between humans and their environment* Through the Stockholm Declaration the world acknowledges that ‘in the industrialized countries, environmental problems are generally related to industrialization and technological development’.		United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, (Stockholm: UNEP, 16 June 1972), 3.
December 1972 – Whitlam Government takes office.
November 1975 – Fraser Government takes office.
March 1976	*Australian Academy of Science reports that human activities are likely to contribute to warming* The report concludes that ‘there is no evidence that the world is now on the brink of a major climatic change’.		Australian Academy of Science (AAS), Report of a Committee on Climatic Change, report no. 21, (Canberra: AAS, March 1976), 9.
February 1979	*First international conference on climate change* At the World Meteorological Organization World Climate Conference in Geneva, international experts discuss the link between human activities and climate for the first time at a major conference.		‘Proceedings of the World Climate Conference - a Conference of Experts on Climate and Mankind’, World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
1980s
March 1983 – Hawke Government takes office.
June 1988	*First global emissions reduction targets (the ‘Toronto targets’)* At the Toronto conference on climate change, a target of 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2005 on 1988 levels is proposed.		Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, The Changing Atmosphere: Implications for Global Security: Conference Statement, (Toronto: 27–30 June 1988).
9–11 November 1988	*First meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)* The IPCC is an international working group of experts tasked with reviewing and synthesising peer-reviewed research publications on climate change.		Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Report of the First Session of the WMO/UNEP IPCC, (Geneva: IPCC, 1988).
1989	*First Australian greenhouse gas emissions reduction proposal submitted to Cabinet* The Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories, Graham Richardson, submits to Cabinet a proposal for a 20% reduction in 1988 Australian greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2005.		V. Burgmann and H. A. Baer, Climate Politics and the Climate Movement in Australia, (Melbourne: University Press, 2012), 61. R. Dunn, ‘Cabinet Moves on Control of Gases’, Australian Financial Review, 2 November 1989.
1990s
March–October 1990	*IPCC releases the* First Assessment Reports The synthesis report notes with certainty that: × a natural greenhouse effect warms the Earth × human activities contribute to atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Several predictions are made about the impact of an enhanced greenhouse effect on the climate.		IPCC, Climate Change: The 1990 and 1992 IPCC Assessments, (IPCC, 1992), 52. ‘Reports: AR1’, IPCC.
October 1990	*Australian Government adopts ‘Toronto targets’ with provisos* The Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories, Graham Richardson’s 20% target, which had originally been rejected, is accepted and announced on 11 October 1990 as an ‘Interim Planning Target’ with the proviso that the reduction would not be at the expense of the economy (the ‘no regrets’ strategy). The government also commits to implementing a National Greenhouse Response Strategy (NGRS). The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorses the target. The Senate Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology is tasked with investigating the costs and benefits of meeting the target.		R. Kelly (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories) and J. Kerin (Minister for Primary Industries and Energy), ‘Government sets Targets for Reductions in Greenhouse Gases’, joint media release, 11 October 1990. Council of Australian Governments (COAG), InterGovernmental Agreement on the Environment, February 1992, 29. Senate Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Rescue the Future: Reducing the Impact of the Greenhouse Effect, (Canberra: The Senate, January 1991).
December 1990	*Negotiations begin for first global treaty on climate change (UNFCCC)* Prompted by the IPCC’s First Assessment Report, negotiations begin for a global treaty responding to climate change. This treaty later becomes known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).		‘Issues in the Negotiating Process: a Brief History of the Climate Change Process’, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
20 December 1991 – Keating Government takes office.
9 May 1992	*UN General Assembly adopts UNFCCC* After 15 months of negotiations the treaty opens for signatures in June 1992.		‘Status of Ratification of the Convention’, UNFCCC.
4 June 1992	*Australia signs UNFCCC at the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil* The Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories, Ros Kelly, signs the UNFCCC on behalf of Australia at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (or UNCED, informally known as the ‘Rio Earth Summit’). The UNFCCC aims to stabilise atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations in time to protect ecosystems, food security and economic development from the threat of climate change. By signing the treaty, Australia indicates its acceptance of the principles of the Convention.		R. Kelly (Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories), ‘Australia Signs UNCED Climate Change Convention’, media release, 4 June 1992.
December 1992	*Government releases* National Greenhouse Response Strategy (NGRS) The NGRS is endorsed by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments at a COAG meeting. The NGRS is a mechanism to audit and facilitate national approaches to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that Australia can meet its commitments to the UNFCCC. The strategy relies on action with no negative impacts on the national economy or on Australia’s trade competitiveness (‘no regrets’ strategy). The strategy includes the formation of the National Greenhouse Advisory Panel.		Australian Government, National Greenhouse Response Strategy, (Canberra: Australian Government, December 1992). COAG, Communique, (Perth: COAG Meeting, Perth, 7 December 1992).
30 December 1992	*Australia ratifies UNFCCC* Australia is the ninth country to ratify the UNFCCC.		‘Status of Ratification of the Convention’, UNFCCC. ‘Australia’s treaty‑making process’, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
21 March 1994	*UNFCCC comes into force* The required minimum of 50 ratifications is reached in December 1993, triggering the UNFCCC to come into force 90 days later.		‘Status of Ratification of the Convention’, UNFCCC. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, opened for signature 4 June 1992, ATS [1994] No. 2 (entered into force generally and for Australia 21 March 1994).
19 September 1994	*Australia meets its first commitment to the UNFCCC* In preparation for the first Conference of Parties (COP) in 1995, Australia lodges its first national communication to the UNFCCC. This document outlines how Australia is to meet its obligations to the UNFCCC and includes the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which tracks Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.		Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Climate Change: Australia’s National Report Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (Canberra: Australian Government, September 1994). UNFCCC, Report on the In‑Depth Review of the National Communication of Australia, FCCC/IDR.1/AUS, 14 December 1995, 5.
29 March 1995	*Government releases* Greenhouse 21C Plan The plan supplements the NGRS with a number of additional measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions. One of these is the Greenhouse Challenge program, a voluntary scheme for major companies and industry sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.		J. Faulkner (Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories), ‘Press Conference for the Release of Greenhouse 21C’, speech, 29 March 1995. J. Faulkner, Greenhouse 21C: a Plan of Action for a Sustainable Future, (Canberra: Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, March 1995).
28 March–7 April 1995	*First UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) held in Berlin, Germany* The COP agrees to the Berlin Mandate , a process for strengthening developed nations’ greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments via the adoption of a protocol or other legal instrument.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its First Session, Held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April 1995. Addendum, Part 2: Action Taken by the Conference of the Parties at its First Session, FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1, 6 June 1995. UNFCCC, Report on the Conference of the Parties on its First Session, held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April 1995, FCCC/CP/1995/7, 24 May 1995.
February–October 1995	*IPCC releases the* Second Assessment Reports The synthesis report states that, ‘the balance of evidence suggests there is a discernible human influence on global climate’.		IPCC, IPCC Second Assessment: Climate Change 1995, (IPCC, 1995), 22. ‘Reports: AR2’, IPCC.
March 1996 – Howard Government takes office.
8–19 July 1996	*Second UNFCCC COP held in Geneva, Switzerland* The COP develops the Geneva Ministerial Declaration . The Declaration recognises the importance of the IPCC’s Second Assessment Report and urges member countries to develop legally binding emissions targets.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Second Session, Held at Geneva from 8 to 19 July 1996. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/1996/15, 29 October 1996.
18 July 1996	*Australian Government announces involvement in Pilot Phase of UNFCCC’s ‘Activities Implemented Jointly’* The Minister for the Environment, Robert Hill, announces that Australia will be part of the UNFCCC’s trial project known as ‘Activities Implemented Jointly’. It involves countries undertaking emissions reduction projects in other countries. The senator explains that, for Australia, ‘in the long term we would be seeking credit from the international community for our efforts’.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘New Australian Move on Greenhouse’, media release, 18 July 1996.
Late 1996	*National Greenhouse Advisory Panel releases results of a major review of the NGRS* The report indicates that the ‘NGRS had little if any effect in achieving the necessary policy coordination and integration within and between jurisdictions; with few exceptions, greenhouse issues have not been considered’.		National Greenhouse Advisory Panel (NGAP), Report on the National Greenhouse Response Strategy, (Environment Australia, Environment Protection Group, 1996).
28 February 1997	*Public submissions sought to guide Australia’s response to climate change* The Minister for the Environment, Robert Hill, releases a discussion paper by the Intergovernmental Committee on Ecologically Sustainable Development entitled Future Directions for Australia’s National Greenhouse Strategy. Submissions are sought to guide the principles and measures that would feature in the National Greenhouse Strategy 1998.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Greenhouse: Developing a New Strategy’, media release, 28 February 1997.
26 September 1997	*Government states that adoption of uniform emissions reduction targets would be devastating for Australia* The Minister for the Environment, Robert Hill, claims that Australia will share the global burden of reducing greenhouse gas emissions but notes: ‘The adoption of a uniform reduction target at the upcoming Kyoto conference would have a devastating impact on Australian industry and its ability to create jobs’.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Greenhouse Gas Figures Reveal Uniform Target Danger’, media release, 26 September 1997.
15 November 1997	*Australia lodges second national communication to the UNFCCC* The government outlines how it intends to progress its international obligations. The strategies include establishing a statutory greenhouse body (the future Australian Greenhouse Office) and investment in renewable energy, energy reform, revegetation and energy efficiency standards and labelling.		Department of the Environment, Climate Change: Australia’s Second National Report Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (Canberra: Australian Government, November 1997). UNFCCC, Report on the In‑Depth Review of the Second National Communication of Australia, FCCC/IDR.2/AUS, 18 October 1999, 2.
20 November 1997	*Prime minister announces measures to reduce Australia’s emissions growth* Prime Minister John Howard commits funding to the strategies outlined in Australia’s second national communication to the UNFCCC. The package of measures is expected to reduce Australia’s emissions growth from a 28% increase in emissions by 2010, to an 18% increase. One of the measures commits to setting a mandatory renewable energy target (MRET) for electricity retailers (and other wholesale buyers) to collectively achieve a 2% increase ‘in the contribution of renewable energy to Australia’s electricity supply mix by 2010’.		J. Howard, Ministerial Statements: Safeguarding the Future: Australia’s Response to Climate Change, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 November 1997, 10921.
1–11 December 1997	*Third UNFCCC COP held in Kyoto, Japan – Kyoto Protocol adopted* The Kyoto Protocol is adopted after 2 years of negotiations. Australia secures a controversial concession to include land-use change and forestry as part of the net emissions in the 1990 baseline (later known as the ‘Australia clause’). To come into effect the protocol must be ratified by: × at least 55 Parties to the Convention and × countries responsible for a combined total of 55% of carbon dioxide emissions (at 1990 levels) from developed countries.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Third Session, Held at Kyoto, from 1 to 11 December 1997. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/1997/7, 24 March 1998. R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Kyoto Agreement a Win for the Environment’, media release, 11 December 1997.
March 1998	*Government establishes Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO)* Australia is the first country to establish a government agency dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The AGO is responsible for managing the prime minister’s package of measures announced on 20 November 1997.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Hill Announces New Greenhouse Chief [Gwen Andrews]’, media release, 4 March 1998. J. Howard (Prime Minister), Ministerial Statements: Safeguarding the Future: Australia’s Response to Climate Change, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 November 1997, 10921.
29 April 1998	*Australia signs the Kyoto Protocol* Australia signs the Kyoto Protocol, along with over 20 other parties that week. However, Australia does not ratify the protocol until 2007. In the month it was first opened for signatures in March 1998, ten parties signed the protocol.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Hill Signs Historic Agreement to Fight Global Warming’, media release, 29 April 1998.
2–14 November 1998	*Fourth UNFCCC COP held in Buenos Aires, Argentina* The Buenos Aires Plan of Action is developed to strengthen the financial and technological side of emissions trading to help bring the Kyoto Protocol into force.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Fourth Session, Held at Buenos Aires from 2 to 14 November 1998. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/1998/16, 20 January 1999.
November 1998	National Greenhouse Strategy (NGS) *replaces the NGRS* The AGO launches The National Greenhouse Strategy (NGS), which extends and supersedes the NGRS.		R. Hill (Minister for the Environment), ‘Launch of National Greenhouse Strategy’, speech, 26 November 1998. National Greenhouse Strategy, The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO).
March 1999	*AGO releases first of 4 discussion papers on emissions trading* The first discussion paper of the National Emissions Trading series details the principles and framework for how an emissions trading system (ETS) might operate.		AGO, National Emissions Trading: Establishing the Boundaries, Discussion paper 1, AGO, Canberra, 1999.
31 May 1999	Measures for a Better Environment *package is announced* New funding is announced for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage the uptake of renewable energy. More than half of this funding is dedicated to the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Programme to ‘support activities that are likely to result in substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions or substantial enhancement of carbon sinks and are consistent with ecologically sustainable development’.		J. Howard (Prime Minister), ‘Changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST)’, media release, 31 May 1999. Australian Government, Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 1999–2000, November 1999, 108–9. R. Hill (Minister for the Environment and Heritage), Investing in Our Natural and Cultural Heritage, Ministerial Budget Statement, 9 May 2000, 12.
June 1999	*AGO releases second discussion paper on emissions trading* This discussion paper discusses the allocation of permits, permit duration and how to progress towards emissions trading in Australia.		AGO, National Emissions Trading: Issuing the Permits, Discussion paper 2, (Canberra: AGO, June 1999).
October 1999	*AGO releases third discussion paper on emissions trading* This discussion paper explores the framework for a national ETS and how carbon sinks might be included.		AGO, National Emissions Trading: Crediting the Carbon, Discussion paper 3, (Canberra: AGO, October 1999).
25 October–5 November 1999	*Fifth UNFCCC COP held in Bonn, Germany* The COP is a technical meeting. Annex I (industrialised) countries are asked to adopt the UNFCCC guidelines for reporting emissions.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Fifth Session, Held at Bonn from 25 October to 5 November 1999. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/1999/6, 21 December 1999.
December 1999	*AGO releases fourth and final discussion paper on emissions trading* This discussion paper covers the design of carbon permits, how emissions would be monitored and reported, and how the market could operate.		AGO, National Emissions Trading: Designing the Market, Discussion paper 4, (Canberra: AGO, December 1999).
2000s
7 November 2000	*Senate Committee releases* The Heat Is On: Australia’s Greenhouse Future *report* The report criticises the government for a lack of commitment to climate change policy. More than 100 recommendations are made.		Senate Standing Committees on Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Committee, The Heat Is On: Australia’s Greenhouse Future, (Canberra: The Senate, November 2000). ‘The Heat is On: Australia’s Greenhouse Future’, Australian Parliament House.
13–25 November 2000	*Part one of the Sixth UNFCCC COP held in The Hague, Netherlands* Heated debate over the role of developed countries is heard. Discussions falter and the conference is suspended without agreement.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on the First Part of its Sixth Session, Held at The Hague from 13 to 25 November 2000. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2000/5, 4 April 2001.
January–October 2001	*IPCC releases the* Third Assessment Reports The synthesis report details the growing scientific evidence that global temperatures have increased over the 20th century. Temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.4–5.8 °C over the next century.		R.T. Watson and the Core Writing Team, eds., Climate Change 2001: Synthesis Report. A Contribution of Working Groups I, II, and III to the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (IPCC, 2001), 8. ‘Reports: AR3’, IPCC.
1 April 2001	*Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme (MRET) starts* The MRET commences under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. The MRET will cover electricity retailers and wholesale electricity buyers on liable grids, and requires them ‘to proportionately contribute towards the generation of an additional 9,500 GWh of renewable energy per year by 2010’ by annually surrendering a number of ‘renewable energy certificates’ equal to their requirement. Annual interim targets are also defined. Each renewable energy certificate ‘is equal to (or in the case of solar water heaters, equivalent to) 1 MWh of renewable generation available at an agreed measurement point’, and they can be earned by eligible generation assets and traded to liable and third parties.		Australian Greenhouse Office, ‘Australia Leads World with National Renewable Energy Market’, media release, 1 April 2001. ‘Overview of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target’, Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator.
June 2001	*Government responds to Senate Committee* The Heat is On *report* The government rejects many of the report’s criticisms of existing government climate change policy and programs.		Australian Government, Government Response to the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee Report: The Heat Is On: Australia’s Greenhouse Future, (Canberra: June 2001).
16–27 July 2001	*Part 2 of the Sixth UNFCCC COP held in Bonn, Germany* Talks resume after breaking down in 2000. The Bonn Agreements are made, which include implementing the Buenos Aires Plan of Action developed at the fourth COP.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on the Second Part of its Sixth Session, Held at Bonn from 16 to 27 July 2001. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2001/5, 25 September 2001.
29 October–10 November 2001	*Seventh UNFCCC COP held in Marrakesh, Morocco* Marrakesh Accords are developed, detailing how to meet the Kyoto Protocol targets. The Marrakesh Ministerial Declaration is also announced, to be used at the upcoming Earth Summit in Johannesburg.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Seventh Session, Held at Marrakesh from 29 October to 10 November 2001. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2001/13, 21 January 2002.
May 2002	*European Union (EU) and Japan ratify the Kyoto Protocol* More than 55 Parties of the Convention have now signed the protocol. This is one of the conditions to bring the protocol into force. The Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, urges Prime Minister John Howard to ratify the protocol.		J. Howard (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of the Prime Minister the Hon John Howard MP Joint Press Conference with His Excellency Mr Junichiro Koizumi – Prime Minister of Japan, Parliament House, Canberra’, transcript, 1 May 2002. K. Thomson (Shadow Minister for Environment and Heritage), ‘Japan Ratifies Kyoto Protocol while Howard Hedges’, media release, 5 June 2002.
5 June 2002	*Australia refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol* Prime Minister John Howard states to the Australian Parliament: ‘It is not in Australia’s interests to ratify the Kyoto protocol’.		J. Howard, Answer to Question without notice: Environment: Kyoto Protocol, [Questioner: K. Thomson], House of Representatives, Debates, 5 June 2002, 3163.
June 2002	Independent Review of the AGO *report released* The review suggests the AGO’s status as an Executive Agency be revoked. It also recommends a review of the NGS.		W. L. Smith, Independent Review of the Australian Greenhouse Office, (June 2002).
15 August 2002	*Government announces new climate change strategy* The government announces the Global Greenhouse Challenge: the Way Ahead for Australia, a four‑pronged policy response designed to meet Australia’s Kyoto target and anticipate adaptation needs. However, the government reaffirms that it will not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, stating ‘It is clear that the Kyoto Protocol does not at this time provide an effective framework. It will make only a modest contribution – around 1% – to reducing the growth of global emissions’.		D. Kemp (Minister for the Environment and Heritage) and A. Downer (Minister for Foreign Affairs), ‘Global Greenhouse Challenge: the Way Ahead for Australia’, joint media release, 15 August 2002.
26 August–4 September 2002	*World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg (Earth Summit 2002/Rio +10)* The Johannesburg Declaration is made, urging sustainable development globally. However, this document has only one reference to climate change.		UN, Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August–4 September 2002, (New York: 2002).
23 October–1 November 2002	*Eighth UNFCCC COP held in New Delhi, India* The COP produces the Delhi Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, which reinforces the need for sustainable development.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Eighth Session, Held at New Delhi from 23 October to 1 November 2002. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2002/7, 28 March 2003.
1 January 2003	*NSW Government implements* Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme is the world’s first mandatory emission trading scheme. The scheme employed a baseline and credit system (rather than a cap‑and‑trade system).		NSW Government, Introduction to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS), (July 2011, 3).
July 2003	*New strategy for emissions trading proposed* Reports surface that an ETS plan is presented to Cabinet by federal treasury, industry and environment departments, backed by at least 6 government portfolios. Following a meeting with industry, the ETS plan is set aside by Prime Minister John Howard.		L. Minchin, ‘Howard Blows Hot and Cold on Emissions’, The Age, 15 November 2006, 4. M. Bachelard, ‘PM Cans Carbon Trading Scheme’, Weekend Australian, 30 August 2003, 4.
1–12 December 2003	*Ninth UNFCCC COP held in Milan, Italy* The COP establishes a fund to help developing countries adapt to climate change.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Ninth Session, Held at Milan from 1 to 12 December 2003. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2003/6, 30 March 2004.
June 2004	*Government releases* Securing Australia’s Energy Future *white paper* The white paper proposes renewable energy initiatives, including an overhaul of the fuel excise program and funding for research and development. It reaffirms that ratifying the Kyoto Protocol is not in the national interest, but that Australia is on track to meet its target anyway.		Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), Securing Australia’s Energy Future, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2004).
22 October 2004	*Government announces that AGO will be integrated into the Department of Environment and Heritage* This change is promoted as a cost‑saving measure.		J. Howard (Prime Minister), ‘Fourth Howard Ministry’, media release, 22 October 2004. Australian Government, ‘Part 2: Expense Measures’, Budget Measures: Budget Paper No. 2: 2005–06, 152.
November 2004	*Russia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol* Developed countries with a combined total of 55% of global carbon dioxide emissions (at 1990 levels) have now approved the protocol. All conditions for the Kyoto Protocol to come into force internationally have been met. Australia still refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, stating in June 2005 that it is flawed.		K. Annan (UN Secretary‑General), ‘UN Secretary‑General Receives Russia’s Kyoto Protocol Ratification’, media release, 18 November 2004. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, opened for signature 15 March 1998, [2008] 2 (entered into force generally 16 February 2005 and for Australia 11 March 2008).
6–18 December 2004	*10th UNFCCC COP held in Buenos Aires, Argentina* The Buenos Aires Plan of Action is adopted and discussions of post-Kyoto (post-2012) targets begin.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Tenth Session, Held at Buenos Aires from 6 to 18 December 2004. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2004/10, 18 April 2005.
16 February 2005	*Kyoto Protocol comes into force* Ninety days after all conditions are met, the Kyoto Protocol’s 2012 targets become enforceable for the parties that have ratified it.		‘Status of Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol’, UNFCCC.
August 2005	*International Energy Agency (IEA) urges Australia to consider an ETS* The IEA releases Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Australia 2005 Review, which notes that Australia’s emission intensity is one of the highest in the world. It urges Australia to consider an ETS.		‘Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Australia 2005 Review’, OECD iLibrary.
28 November–10 December 2005	*11th UNFCCC COP held in Montreal, Canada* More than 10,000 delegates discuss potential climate action after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Eleventh Session, Held at Montreal from 28 November to 10 December 2005. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2005/5, 30 March 2006.
6–17 November 2006	*12th UNFCCC COP held in Nairobi, Kenya* Compliance rules for the Kyoto Protocol are determined. An Adaptation Fund is created to help developing countries adapt to climate change.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twelfth Session, Held at Nairobi from 6 to 17 November 2006. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2006/5, 26 January 2007.
10 December 2006	*Government establishes Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading* Prime Minister John Howard announces the creation of a task group to provide advice on designing an ETS for Australia.		J. Howard (Prime Minister), ‘Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading’, media release, 10 December 2006.
June–September 2007	*IPCC releases the* Fourth Assessment Reports The synthesis report affirms that it is ‘very likely’ (that is, with 90–94% probability of occurring) that most of the increase in average global temperatures since the mid-20th century are driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gases.		R. K. Pachauri, A. Reisinger and Core Writing Team, eds., Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report: Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (Geneva: IPCC, 2007), 5, 27. ‘Reports: AR4’, IPCC.
31 May 2007	*Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading releases Shergold Report* The Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading releases the Shergold Report, which recommends Australia develop an emissions trading scheme.		Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading, Report of the Task Group on Emissions Trading, (Canberra: PM&C, 2007).
3 June 2007	*Prime Minister John Howard promises an ETS if re-elected* The prime minister promises to establish a national ETS, starting no later than 2012 and to set a national ‘long term aspirational goal’ to reduce carbon emissions. A Climate Change Fund is later announced (in October 2007) as part of the ETS election promise. Through this fund, revenue from emissions trading is to be reinvested into climate change initiatives.		J. Howard (Prime Minister), ‘Address to Liberal Party Federal Council, Sydney’, speech, 3 June 2007.
20 September 2007	*National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007 passes Parliament* Parliament passes the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007. It receives royal assent 8 days later. The resulting National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 requires industry to report its greenhouse gas emissions, abatement actions, energy consumption and production.		National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2007 National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
27 October 2007	*Cabinet rejects proposal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol* Reports emerge that Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, urges Cabinet to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, but is unsuccessful.		L. Taylor, ‘Cabinet Blocks Turnbull on Kyoto’, Australian Financial Review, 27 October 2007, 3.
13 November 2007	*Government announces National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility* A new facility will be created to research the impacts and mitigation of climate change on Australian industry and communities.		M. Turnbull (Minister for the Environment and Water Resources), ‘New World-First Research Facility to Equip Australia for a Changing Climate’, media release, 13 November 2007.
November 2007 – Rudd Government takes office.
3–15 December 2007	*13th UNFCCC COP held in Bali, Indonesia* The Bali Action Plan is adopted. This is a workplan to guide the implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol over the 2008–2012 period. It emphasises the importance of a shared vision, climate change mitigation, adaption, technology development and transfer and financial assistance to poorer nations.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Thirteenth session, Held in Bali from 3 to 15 December 2007. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2007/6, 14 March 2008.
3 December 2007	*Government establishes Department of Climate Change* The Department of Climate Change is established within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio.		‘About Us’, Department of Climate Change.
12 December 2007	*Australia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol* Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, as promised during the 2007 election campaign.		K. Rudd (Prime Minister), ‘Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol’, media release, 3 December 2007.
February 2008	Garnaut Climate Change Review: Interim Report *released* Ross Garnaut, Professor of Economics at the Australian National University, releases an interim review of the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy. The independent review was commissioned by Australia’s Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The report submits that Australia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and proposes that Australia should establish effective climate policies centred around an ETS.		R. Garnaut, Garnaut Climate Change Review: Interim Report to the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia, (Canberra: February 2008).
11 March 2008	*Australia’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol comes into effect* The government issues the Initial Report Under the Kyoto Protocol detailing how Australia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.		P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), ‘Australia is Now a Part of the Kyoto Protocol’, media release, 11 March 2008.
16 July 2008	*Government releases* Green Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme *(CPRS)* The green paper outlines the government’s proposed policy options for implementing an ETS. The paper undergoes consideration by interested parties, including the general public.		P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), ‘Green Paper on Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme released’, media release, 16 July 2008.
31 July 2008	Strategic Review of Australian Government Climate Change Programs *(Wilkins Review) released* The Wilkins Review analyses current climate change programs to determine whether they are complementary to the CPRS.		R. Wilkins, Strategic Review of Australian Government Climate Change Programs, (Canberra: 31 July 2008).
30 September 2008	The Garnaut Climate Change Review: Final Report *(Garnaut Review) released* The Garnaut Review provides a detailed analysis of the impacts of climate change on Australia and the costs of adaptation and mitigation.		P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), ‘Government Welcomes Garnaut Climate Change Review’, media release, 30 September 2008.
30 October 2008	*Government releases* Australia’s Low Pollution Future: the Economics of Climate Change Mitigation *report* Treasury modelling establishes that there are benefits to Australia acting early if other countries also adopt carbon pricing, but that delaying action may lead to higher long-term costs.		Australian Government, Australia’s Low Pollution Future: the Economics of Climate Change Mitigation, (Canberra: 2008). P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water) and W. Swan (Treasurer), ‘Government Launches Australia’s Low Pollution Future Report’, joint media release, 30 October 2008.
1–12 December 2008	*14th UNFCCC COP held in Poznan, Poland* Negotiations on a post-Kyoto plan continue.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Fourteenth Session, Held in Poznan from 1 to 12 December 2008. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2008/7, 19 March 2008.
15 December 2008	*Government releases white paper on the* CPRS Australia’s Low Pollution Future The government’s white paper outlines the final design of an Australian ETS and new 2020 emissions reduction targets: × unconditional target of 5% below 2000 levels × conditional target of 15% below 2000 levels, if there is a ‘global agreement where all major economies commit to substantially restrain emissions and all developed countries take on comparable reductions to that of Australia’.		K. Rudd (Prime Minister), ‘Australia’s Low Pollution Future: Speech at the Launch of Australian Government’s White Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Canberra [and] Questions and Answers’, speech, 15 December 2008.
May 2009	*2009–10 Budget includes major changes to climate change policies* Changes include: × a new target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2020 on 2000 levels if ‘the world agrees to an ambitious global deal to stabilise levels of CO₂ equivalent at 450 parts per million or lower by mid-century’ × the CPRS will be delayed by one year to 2011–12 when it will begin with a 12‑month $10 fixed price × the establishment of an Australian Carbon Trust ‘to allow households to do their bit by investing directly in reducing Australia’s emissions and to drive energy efficiency in buildings’ × the launch of a Clean Energy Initiative to support the development of low carbon energy.		K. Rudd (Prime Minister) et al., ‘A New Target for Reducing Australia’s Carbon Pollution’ and ‘New Measures for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme’, joint media releases, 4 May 2009. M. Ferguson (Minister for Resources and Energy) et al., ‘$4.5 Billion Clean Energy Initiative’, joint media release, 12 May 2009.
12 May 2009	*Government responds to Wilkins Review* The government agrees to close 13 programs that were deemed not complementary to an ETS.		L. Tanner (Minister for Finance and Deregulation) et al., ‘Streamlining the Australian Government’s Climate Change Programs and Making Energy Efficient Choices Even Easier’, joint media release, 12 May 2009.
14 May 2009	*Government introduces Bills to implement the CPRS and establish an ETS* If passed, the package of 6 Bills (hereafter, the CPRS Bills) will implement the CPRS and set up an Australian ETS.		Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
9 August 2009	*Government releases* Tracking to Kyoto and 2020 *report* The report, an interim update of emissions projections to 2020, shows that Australia is on its way to meeting its Kyoto Protocol target.		P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), ‘New Report Shows Carbon Pollution Continues to Rise Without Action’, media release, 9 August 2009.
13 August 2009	*CPRS Bills rejected by the Senate* The Senate votes against passing the CPRS Bills, 42 to 30.		J. Hogg, Second Reading, Division: Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 and associated legislation, Senate, Debates, 13 August 2009, 4832–3.
7 September 2009	*Renewable energy* *target increased to 20%* The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2009 comes into force. It amends the existing legislation, replacing the MRET with the Renewable Energy Target (RET). The RET has a more ambitious target of 20% (45,000 GWh) by 2020. The Solar Credits scheme is also introduced; it provides multiple credits for the installation of household rooftop solar.		Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2009
22 October 2009	*Government introduces CPRS Bills* *a second time* A package of 6 CPRS Bills is introduced a second time. Of the 6 Bills, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2] and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 [No. 2] have been amended from the earlier Bills of the same name that were introduced as part of the CPRS Bills package in May 2009 (but are the same as the amended Bills previously rejected by the Senate). The other 4 Bills are identical to the ones introduced in May 2009.		L. Nielson et al., ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2]’, Bills Digest, 59, 2009–10, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2009). L. Nielson, ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 [No. 2]’, Bills Digest, 49, 2009–10, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2009).
1 December 2009	*Change of federal opposition leadership voids ETS deal* Malcolm Turnbull is defeated by Tony Abbott in a Liberal Party of Australia (LPA) leadership spill. Media reports suggest that Turnbull had reached a deal with the government on CPRS amendments to secure Senate support from the LPA. The change of leadership rescinds any such negotiations and agreements.		S. Stone (Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship), ‘Sharman Stone Welcomes New Leader’, media release, 1 December 2009. M. Cormann, M. Fifield and B. Manson, ‘Resignation from the Shadow Ministry over ETS’, joint media release, 1 December 2009. L. Knight, ‘The ETS Deal’s Done’, The Land, 26 November 2009, 5.
2 December 2009	*CPRS Bills again rejected by the Senate* The Senate votes against passing the CPRS Bills. This creates a trigger for a double dissolution election. The trigger is not used.		Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2] Australia, Senate, Journals, 105, 2009–10, 2 December 2009, 3048–9.
7–19 December 2009	*15th UNFCCC COP held in Copenhagen, Denmark* No agreement on binding post-Kyoto commitments is reached. The resulting Copenhagen Accord, which calls for countries to populate a list of national 2020 emissions reduction targets, is noted by the COP, but is not officially accepted or legally‑binding. Under the accord, Australia submitted the following non‑binding emission reductions targets (see 15 December 2008 and May 2009 for more details): × 5% below 2000 levels by 2020 × 15% below 2000 levels by 2020 × 25% below 2000 levels by 2020.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Fifteenth Session, Held in Copenhagen from 7 to 19 December 2009. Part Two: Action Taken, FCCC/CP/2009/11/Add.1, 30 March 2010. P. Wong (Minister for Climate Change and Water), Australia Information on Appendix I of the Copenhagen Accord, (submission to the UNFCCC), n.d.
2010s
2 February 2010	*Government introduces CPRS Bills* *a third time* A package of 6 CPRS Bills is introduced a third time. According to the second reading speech, these CPRS Bills include amendments agreed to by the Coalition.		Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010 G. Combet, Second Reading Speech: Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 February 2010, 101.
2 February 2010	*Federal Opposition releases* Direct Action Plan *climate policy* The Coalition’s Direct Action Plan commits to an unconditional target of 5% emissions reduction (below 1990 levels) by 2020. The target will be met by offering incentives for households and industry to do so. The centrepiece of the policy is an Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) designed to reward businesses that emit below a baseline and penalise those that exceed it.		T. Abbott (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Direct Action on the Environment and Climate Change’, media release, 2 February 2010.
19 February 2010	Government releases Adapting to Climate Change in Australia – an Australian Government Position Paper The position paper sets out the government’s role in and strategies for adapting to climate change.		‘Adapting to Climate Change in Australia – An Australian Government Position Paper’, Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE).
8 March 2010	*Department of Climate Change becomes Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency* The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is established as a separate portfolio agency. Programs from the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts are transferred across.		‘About Us’, DCCEE.
27 April 2010	*CPRS delayed until the end of 2012* Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announces that the CPRS will be delayed until the end of the Kyoto commitment period at the end of 2012.		K. Rudd (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of Doorstop Interview: Nepean Hospital, Penrith: Health and Hospital Reform; Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; Home Insulation Program’, transcript, 27 April 2010.
24 June 2010 – Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard becomes prime minister after internal party challenge and successfully leads the Labor party to an election on 21 August 2010.
1 September 2010	*ALP agrees to a politically inclusive committee on climate change* In order to form a minority government after the 2010 election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard signs agreements with the Australian Greens and 3 independent members. The Labor-Greens agreement stipulates that the government must establish a committee of ‘parliamentarians who are committed to tackling climate change and who acknowledge that reducing carbon pollution by 2020 will require a carbon price’.		Australian Greens and Australian Labor Party, The Australian Greens & the Australian Labor Party (‘The Partiesʹ) – Agreement, 1 September 2010.
27 September 2010	*Multi-Party Climate Change Committee (MPCCC) created* As required by the Labor-Greens agreement, the MPCCC is formed. The committee will explore options for the introduction of a carbon price.		J. Gillard (Prime Minister), ‘Prime Minister Establishes Climate Change Committee [and] Terms of Reference’, media release, 27 September 2010.
28 September 2010	*CPRS Bills lapse* The package of 6 CPRS Bills lapses after its third introduction, due to the start of a new parliament.		Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2010
29 November–10 December 2010	*16th UNFCCC COP held in Cancun, Mexico* The COP produces the Cancun Agreements, which reinforce the main points of the Copenhagen Accord. The 6 building blocks of the agreements are mitigation, transparency, finance, technology, forestry and adaptation. A decision is made to establish a Green Climate Fund to finance climate action in developing countries.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Sixteenth Session, Held in Cancun from 29 November to 10 December 2010. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2010/7, 15 March 2011.
1 January 2011	*RET scheme split into 2 parts* The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2010 comes into force. It separates the RET scheme into the large‑scale RET with a 41,000 GWh target and the small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme, with a notional, but uncapped, target of 4,000 GWh generation.		Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2010
10 February 2011	*Government establishes independent Climate Commission* The independent commission is designed to provide expert advice and information on climate change to the Australian public.		G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), ‘Launch of the Climate Commission’, media release, 10 February 2011.
24 March 2011	*Government introduces* *Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI)* *Bills* If passed, the package of 3 Bills (hereafter, the CFI Bills) will establish the CFI and enable the land sector to take part in carbon abatement projects.		A. Talberg, J. Gardiner-Garden and J. Tomaras, ‘Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011’, Bills Digest, 5, 2011–12, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2011). Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011
31 May 2011	*Government releases updated Garnaut Review* The government releases its commissioned report The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia in the Global Response to Climate Change.		Department of Climate Change, ‘Final Report: Our Fair Share of Climate Action Much More Expensive Without Carbon Pricing’, media release, 31 May 2011.
9 June 2011	*Productivity Commission releases* Carbon Emission Policies in Key Economies report The Productivity Commission report concludes that Australia’s implicit cost of abatement is not high. The report outlines the difficulties in the exercise of measuring and comparing implicit country abatement costs in relation to electricity generation. However, the findings suggest that market‑based approaches are the most cost‑effective.		‘Emission Reduction Policies and Carbon Prices in Key Economies’, Productivity Commission.
10 July 2011	*Government releases framework for a new ETS* The government releases Securing a Clean Energy Future: the Australian Government’s Climate Change Plan. It outlines the government’s plan to cut 159 million tonnes (Mt) of greenhouse gases a year by 2020. The plan includes putting a price on carbon, investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and creating opportunities in the land sector.		J. Gillard (Prime Minister), ‘Securing a Clean Energy Future for Australia’, media release, 10 July 2011.
13 September 2011	*Government introduces legislation to establish the framework for an ETS* If passed, the package of 18 Bills will establish the framework for an ETS, including establishing 2 independent statutory bodies, the Climate Change Authority and the Clean Energy Regulator.		K. Swoboda, A. Payne and J. E. Tomaras, ‘Clean Energy Bill 2011’, Bills Digest, 68, 2011–12, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2011).
15 September 2011	*CFI legislation comes into force* The Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 comes into force. The Act allows farmers and land managers to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the land.		Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011
8 November 2011	*ETS Bills passed by Parliament* Parliament passes the package of 18 ETS Bills. The resulting Clean Energy Act 2011 provides the framework for an ETS, starting with a 3‑year fixed-price phase.		Clean Energy Bill 2011
28 November–11 December 2011	*17th UNFCCC COP held in Durban, South Africa* An extension of the Kyoto Protocol until 2020 is agreed upon. The Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action is formed to negotiate a universal binding climate agreement by 2015 that raises the level of ambition and is to come into force from 2020.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Seventeenth Session, Held in Durban from 28 November to 11 December 2011. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2011/9, 15 March 2012.
December 2011	*Government releases discussion paper on implementing carbon price floor* The discussion paper seeks feedback for options to keep the carbon price above a set minimum. This is to provide investment certainty.		Climate Strategy and Markets Division of the DCCEE, Price Floor for Australia’s Carbon Pricing Mechanism: Implementing a Surrender Charge for International Units, (Canberra: Australian Government, December 2011).
20–22 June 2012	*UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)* The third international Conference on Sustainable Development develops the non‑binding document The Future We Want. This document, agreed to by all 192 member states (including Australia), stresses the urgent need to take action on climate change.		UN, Report of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20–22 June 2012.
25 June 2012	*Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Bill passed by Parliament* Parliament passes the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012. The resulting Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012 establishes the CEFC, a $10 billion fund dedicated to investing in clean energy.		Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012 Clean Energy Finance Corporation website.
1 July 2012	*Price on carbon comes into effect* An unlimited number of carbon units become available for purchase at a fixed price of $23. Part of the profit from the carbon price will be used to compensate households by implementing a number of tax offsets and reforms, including tripling the tax‑free income threshold (from $6,000 to $18,200).		G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), ‘Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly: ABC Radio National Breakfast: 2 July 2012: carbon pricing’, transcript, 2 July 2012.
1 July 2012	*Climate Change Authority (CCA) and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) commence* The government’s independent advisory body on climate change, the Climate Change Authority (CCA), and an agency for funding the development of renewable energy technology in Australia, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), both commence operations.		J. Gillard (Prime Minister), ‘Australia’s Clean Energy Future’, media release, 1 July 2012.
28 August 2012	*Australia and the EU agree to link ETSs* Australia will link its ETS with the EU’s ETS, sharing a portion of permits. Initially the link is unilateral, allowing the purchase of EU permits within Australia but not the inverse. The link is intended to become bilateral by mid-2018. This deal removes Australia’s carbon price floor. The deal also foreshadows Australia joining a second period under the Kyoto Protocol.		G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), ‘Australia and European Commission Agree on Pathway Towards Fully Linking Emissions Trading Systems’, media release, 28 August 2012.
26 November–8 December 2012	*18th UNFCCC COP held in Doha, Qatar – Bali Action Plan completed, Australia signs on for a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol* The Doha Amendment is passed, launching the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Australia joins the second period of the Kyoto Protocol on 9 December 2012.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Eighteenth Session, Held in Doha from 26 November to 8 December 2012. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2012/8, 28 February 2013. G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), ‘Australia Joins Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment as World on Track to 2015 Climate Change Agreement’, media release, 9 December 2012.
19 December 2012	*CCA releases* Renewable Energy Target Review: Final Report The CCA’s review recommends that the overall RET target remain unchanged and that reviews be undertaken every 4 years.		‘2012 Renewable Energy Target Review’, CCA.
14 March 2013	*Productivity Commission* Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation *report released* The Productivity Commission’s report – provided to the government on 20 September 2012 – identifies policy and regulatory barriers to Australia’s ability to respond or adapt to climate change. It provides recommendations for building adaptive capacity. The government’s response to the report agrees to the majority of the recommendations.		G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency) and D. Bradbury (Assistant Treasurer), ‘Productivity Commission Highlights Need to Adapt to Climate Change’, joint media release, 14 March 2013.
21 March 2013	*Government responds to CCA’s RET review* The government agrees to all but 3 of the 34 recommendations made in the CCA’s RET review.		Australian Government, Australian Government Response to the Climate Change Authority’s Renewable Energy Target Review Final Report, (Canberra: March 2013). G. Combet (Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency), ‘Labor Backs Strong Renewable Energy Target’, media release, 21 March 2013.
25 March 2013	*Department of Climate Change is disbanded* The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is abolished. Most of its functions are moved to the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE). Responsibility for energy efficiency is transferred to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.		‘Corporate’, DIICCSRTE.
26 June 2013 – Labor member Kevin Rudd becomes prime minister after an internal party challenge.
16 July 2013	*Prime minister announces intention to move to a full ETS in 2014* The government cites the high cost of living as a reason to bring forward by one year the transition from a fixed price to an ETS.		K. Rudd (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of Joint Press Conference: Townsville, Qld: Climate Change Policy; Visit to North Queensland; Asylum Seeker Policy; Election Campaign’, transcript, 16 July 2013.
July 2013	*Government releases* How Australia’s Carbon Price is Working: One Year On *report* The government’s report notes an increase in renewable energy generation and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the National Energy Market since the start of the carbon price mechanism.		Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, How Australia’s Carbon Price is Working: One Year On, (Canberra: Australian Government, July 2013).
September 2013 – Abbott Government takes office.
18 September 2013	*Dismantling of 4 climate change programs begins and climate change functions moved into Department of Environment:* × the government begins drafting legislation to repeal the Clean Energy Act 2011 × the government abolishes the Climate Commission × Treasurer orders the CEFC to cease investments × Environment minister announces plans to abolish the CCA × a new Department of the Environment deals with matters that include RET policy, regulation and coordination; greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting; climate change adaptation strategy and coordination; coordination of climate change science activities; renewable energy; greenhouse gas abatement programs; and community and household climate action.		S. Maher and D. Crowe, ‘Abbott Takes Charge, Axes Mandarins’, The Australian, 19 September 2013, 1. M. Priest, ‘Coalition acts to stymie climate science’, Australian Financial Review, 20 September 2013. T. Arup, ‘Abbott Shuts Down Climate Commission’, Sydney Morning Herald (online edition), 19 September 2013. Administrative Arrangements Order, Commonwealth of Australia, 18 September 2013.
September 2013–October 2014	*IPCC releases* Fifth Assessment Reports The synthesis report includes clearer definitions of the risk of climate change affecting agriculture, human health, national security and the environment as well as increased evidence supporting human‑induced climate change.		R. K. Pachauri, L. A. Meyer and Core Writing Team, eds., Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (Geneva: IPCC, 2014). ‘Reports: AR5’, IPCC.
October 2013	*Climate Council replaces Climate Commission* Funded by $900,000 in private donations in less than a week, the Climate Council is launched to continue the work of the disbanded Climate Commission.		B. Schneiders, ‘Climate Council Campaign Pulls in Nearly $1m’, Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 2013, 11.
11–23 November 2013	*19th UNFCCC COP held in Warsaw, Poland* The timeline for 2015 agreement on post‑2020 emission reduction target is discussed, with a goal of state parties finalising their Nationally Determined Contribution ‘so that they are ready well before December 2015 and ideally by the first quarter in 2015’.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Nineteenth Session, Held in Warsaw from 11 to 23 November 2013. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2013/10, 31 January 2014.
13 November 2013	*Government introduces ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills to repeal the ETS and abolish the CCA and CEFC* If passed, the package of 11 Bills, collectively referred to as the ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills, will repeal the ETS and some related bodies and instruments.		K. Loynes, Carbon Price Repeal Bills: Quick Guide, Research paper series, 2013–14, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 20 November 2013).
10 December 2013	*Bill to abolish the CEFC rejected by the Senate* The Senate votes against passing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2013 (one of the 11 ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills). The CEFC is not abolished.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 9, 2013–14, 10 December 2013, 296.
20 December 2013	*Government releases* Emissions Reduction Fund Green Paper The green paper describes the design of the ERF, focusing on low-cost emission reductions and streamlined administration. The ERF builds on the existing architecture of the CFI. The paper states the government’s commitment is to reduce Australia’s emissions to 5% below 2000 levels by 2020.		G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Green Paper: Taking Strong Action to Cut Emissions Without a Carbon Tax’, media release, 20 December 2013. Department of the Environment, Emissions Reduction Fund Green Paper, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2013).
17 February 2014	*Government commissions independent review into the RET (Warburton Review***) The review will consider ‘the contribution of the RET in reducing emissions, its impact on electricity prices and energy markets, as well as its costs and benefits for the renewable energy sector, the manufacturing sector and Australian households’.		G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment) and I. Macfarlane (Minister for Industry), ‘Review of the Renewable Energy Target’, joint media release, 17 February 2014.
27 February 2014	*CCA releases* Targets and Progress Review: Final Report The CCA reviews progress and recommends a minimum reduction of 15% in greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 levels by 2020.		CCA, Reducing Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Targets and Progress Review: Final Report, (Canberra: Australian Government, February 2014). CCA, ‘Report by the Climate Change Authority’, media release, 27 February 2014.
3 March 2014	*Bill to abolish the CCA rejected by the Senate* The Senate votes against passing the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013 (one of the ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills) for a third time. The CCA is not abolished. This Bill will no longer proceed.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 15, 2013–14, 3 March 2014, 498.
20 March 2014	*Remaining ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills rejected by the Senate* The Senate votes against passing the remaining ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills. All the ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills that were introduced on 13 November 2013 have now been rejected.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 22, 2013–14, 20 March 2014, 678. L. Cox, ‘ALP, Green Senators Combine to Block Repeal of Carbon Tax’, The Age, 21 March 2014.
24 April 2014	*Government releases* Emissions Reduction Fund White Paper The government’s white paper sets out the final design of the ERF, with a reduced emissions target of 421 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂-e) over the period to 2020, compared to 431 Mt of CO₂‑e in the green paper.		G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Emissions Reduction Fund White Paper Released’, media release, 24 April 2014.
23 May 2014	*Review of* Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 starts The review aims to identify areas where the legislation can be streamlined or compliance costs reduced, as well as opportunities to reduce emissions. The review’s final report was anticipated to be delivered in mid‑2015, but it does not appear to have been released. The review was later rebranded as a Review into the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Program.		‘Ozone Acts Review’, (Department of Environment). G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Ozone Review to Address Environment and Safety Concerns’, media release, 23 May 2014.
18 June 2014	*Government introduces the first Direct Action legislation* When passed, the Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 establishes the ERF, the keystone of the Direct Action Plan.		Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014
23 June 2014	*Government introduces ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills a second time* A package of 11 Bills is introduced for the second time.		Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]
9 July 2014	*Senate rejects Bill to abolish the income tax reforms and offsets established by the ETS* The Senate votes against passing the Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 [No. 2] (one of the 11 ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills). The income tax offsets and reforms introduced as part of the ETS legislation in 2011 (see 8 November 2011) are maintained.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 40, 2013–14, 9 July 2014, 1096–7.
10 July 2014	*‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills rejected by the Senate a second time* The Senate votes against passing the remaining ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills a second time. All the ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills that were introduced on 23 June 2014 have now been rejected.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 41, 2013–14, 10 July 2014, 1130–1. M. Kenny and J. Massola, ‘About-turn by Palmer Sends Repeal Bill Back to House’, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 July 2014.
14 July 2014	*Government introduces ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills a third time* A package of ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills is introduced to the House of Representatives for a third time. This time the package consists of only 8 Bills and does not include the CEFC or CCA abolition Bills.		Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2014
17 July 2014	*‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills passed by Parliament* Parliament passes the package of 8 ‘Carbon Tax Repeal’ Bills. The resulting Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Act 2014 repeals the Clean Energy Act 2011 and removes the carbon pricing mechanism. Australia becomes the first country to reverse action on climate change.		Australia, Senate, Journals, 45, 2013–14, 17 July 2014, 1235–6. ‘Repealing the Carbon Tax’, (Department of the Environment). The Climate Institute, ‘Australia Lurches Backwards as Pollution is Free Again’, media release, 14 July 2014.
28 August 2014	*Independent review of the RET (Warburton Review) released* The review recommends options to reduce the ambition of the RET including reducing the target, delaying the target date, or repealing elements of the scheme.		D. Warburton, Renewable Energy Target Scheme: Report of the Expert Panel, (Canberra: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, August 2014). G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment) and I. Macfarlane (Minster for Industry), ‘Independent Panel Review of Renewable Energy Target’, joint media release, 28 August 2014.
23 September 2014	*Government releases* Energy White Paper: Green Paper The government’s green paper, to inform the preparation of the energy white paper, focuses on ‘reliable and affordable energy’, but is criticised for lack of action on carbon emissions or renewable energy.		I. Macfarlane (Minister for Industry and Science), ‘Energy Green Paper Setting Policy Direction for an Energy Superpower’, media release, 23 September 2014. Energy White Paper – Green Paper, Commonwealth of Australia 2014. Climate Institute, ‘Energy Green Paper Boosts Energy Productivity but Risks Policy Instability’, media release, 23 September 2014.
12 November 2014	*US and China make joint announcement on emission reductions* The 2 nations announce bilateral cooperation to adopt a binding protocol at the Paris COP meeting in 2015. The US will aim to cut emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2025 and China pledges to peak emissions around 2030.		The White House Office of the Press Secretary, ‘U.S.‑China Joint Announcement on Climate Change’, media release, 12 November 2014.
17 November 2014	*Australia and China sign climate change cooperation Memorandum of Understanding* Under the memorandum of understanding, ‘Australia and China will cooperate to deliver practical climate change outcomes, including through energy efficiency; technology cooperation; and improved emissions data reporting’.		J. Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), ‘Australia-China MOU on Climate Change Cooperation’, media release, 17 November 2014.
24 November 2014	*Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 passed by Parliament* Parliament passes the Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014. The final version of the Bill amends the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 to establish the Emissions Reduction Safeguard Mechanism. The mechanism will commence on 1 July 2016 and requires designated large facilities keep net emissions below a specified limit (a baseline). The resulting Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Act 2014 is the first legislation supporting the Direct Action Plan.		Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014
1–14 December 2014	*20th UNFCCC COP held in Lima, Peru* Negotiations towards a 2015 agreement stall as developed and developing nations argue over who should bear the brunt of emission reduction, and over contributions to the Green Climate Fund.		UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its twentieth session, Held in Lima from 1 to 14 December 2014. Part one: proceedings, FCCC/CP/2014/10, 2 February 2015. F. Green, ‘Lima Climate Conference: Slow Movement on Planet UNFCC[sic]’, The Interpreter, 16 December 2014.
10 December 2014	*Australia pledges $200 million to Green Climate Fund* $200 million over 4 years from the foreign aid program is pledged to the UNFCCC Green Climate Fund.		T. Abbott (Prime Minister) and J. Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), ‘Assisting the Global Response to Climate Change’, joint media release, 10 December 2014.
10 December 2014	*Minister for the* *Environment requests special review by the CCA* The special review is to cover Australia’s future emission reduction targets, whether Australia should have an Emissions Trading Scheme, and what action Australia should take after the Paris meeting in 2015. As part of the review, the CCA will publish 3 reports on these topics.		G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), Special Review by the Climate Change Authority, Commonwealth of Australia, (written instrument), 15 December 2014.
22 December 2014	*CCA releases* Carbon Farming Initiative Review The review finds that the CFI achieved some real emissions reductions, but participation was lower than expected.	‘2014 Carbon Farming Initiative Review’, CCA.
22 December 2014	*CCA releases* Renewable Energy Target Review The CCA assesses the RET arrangements as ‘effective in reducing emissions (at reasonable cost) in the centrally important electricity sector’ but noted that they are ‘not perfect’. The CCA does not support scaling back the large‑scale RET target, but does propose delaying the target increase due to lack of investor confidence.	CCA, 2014 Renewable Energy Target Review, (Canberra: Australian Government, December 2014), 1–2. ‘2014 Renewable Energy Target Review’, CCA.
19 January 2015	*Government establishes Technical Advisory Forum on climate records* The forum is composed of leading scientists and statisticians and will conduct an independent quality analysis of the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term temperature data sets, including how the data is adjusted and analysed.	B. Baldwin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment), ‘Members of the Technical Advisory Forum on Climate Records Announced’, media release, 19 January 2015.
21 March 2015	*Government releases* Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan The plan identifies climate change as the reef’s biggest long-term threat. The plan provides an overarching strategy for management of the Great Barrier Reef and coordinated actions and adaptive management to 2050. The plan will be reviewed every 5 years to ensure it remains current, consistent with scientific advice and relevant in addressing pressures on the Reef.	Australian Government and Queensland Government, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, (March 2015). T. Abbott (Prime Minister) et al., ‘Transcript of Joint Press Conference: Hamilton Island: 21 March 2015’, transcript, 21 March 2015.
28 March 2015	*Government releases* Setting Australia’s Post-2020 Target for Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Issues Paper The government’s paper raises questions about what Australia’s post-2020 emission reduction target should be and how that target would affect the nation.	PM&C, Setting Australia’s Post-2020 Target for Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Issues Paper, (Canberra: Australian Government, March 2015). G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Transcript of Doorstop Interview: Melbourne: 28 March 2015’, transcript, 28 March 2015.
8 April 2015	*Government releases* Energy White Paper The government’s white paper promotes increasing competition and productivity of energy, while reducing the cost of electricity.	I. Macfarlane (Minister for Industry and Science), ‘Energy White Paper Maps Australia’s Powerful Future’, media release, 8 April 2015. Department of Industry and Science, Energy White Paper, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2015).
8 May 2015	*Government announces revised RET* Following the release of the Warburton Review, the government announces that an agreement was reached with the Opposition to reduce the large-scale RET to 33,000 GWh.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Transcript of Doorstop Interview: Melbourne: 8 May 2015: Renewable Energy Target’, transcript, 8 May 2015.
27 May 2015	*Government introduces Bill to reduce the RET* If passed, the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2015 will (among other things) reduce the large scale RET (from 41,000 GWh by 2020 to 33,000 GWh).	S. Power, ‘Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2015’, Bills Digest, 119, 2014‍–‍15, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2015).
June 2015	*Government responds to CCA’s* Carbon Farming Initiative Review The government rejects the recommendation to introduce enhanced ‘additionality’ tests for individual projects and notes the recommendation to monitor and periodically review the appropriateness of the ERF.	Australian Government, Australian Government Response to the Climate Change Authority Carbon Farming Initiative Review, (Canberra: June 2015).
18 June 2015	*Technical Advisory Forum on Climate Records releases report* The report found that the Bureau of Meteorology’s temperature dataset is well maintained, but suggests refining statistical methods, improving public understanding of the program and avoiding jargon when discussing uncertainty.	Technical Advisory Forum of the Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Climate Observations Reference Network‑Surface Air Temperature (ACORN-SAT): Report of the Technical Advisory Forum, (Canberra: Australian Government, June 2015). Bureau of Meteorology, ‘Bureau Welcomes Release of Technical Advisory Forum Report’, media release, 18 June 2015.
23 June 2015	*Bill to reduce the RET passed by Parliament* Parliament votes to pass the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2015. The resulting Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2015 reduces the large‑scale RET to 33,000 Gwh, with this level to be maintained until 2030. The Act also fully exempts trade-exposed industries from the target, replaces the CCA twice‑yearly reviews with annual statements provided by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and reinstates native forest wood waste as an eligible source of renewable energy.	S. Power, ‘Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2015’, Bills Digest, 119, 2014–‍15, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2015).
2 July 2015	*CCA releases first special review report* The report is the first of 3 reports that will be published for the CCA’s special review, requested by the Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt (see 10 December 2014). The report confirms the CCA’s preliminary recommendations for: × a 2025 target of 30% below 2000 levels × further deductions by 2030 of 40–60% below 2000 levels.	‘Final Report on Australia’s Future Emissions Reduction Targets’, CCA.
10 August 2015	*Government responds to CCA’s* 2014 RET Review The government notes the recommendations.	Australian Government, Australian Government Response to the Climate Change Authority’s 2014 Renewable Energy Target Review, (Canberra: 2015).
11 August 2015	*Government announces Australia’s post‑2020 emission reduction target* The nation will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2030.	T. Abbott (Prime Minister) et al., ‘Australia’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Target’, joint media release, 11 August 2015.
11 August 2015	*Australia submits first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC* Australia’s intended NDC commits to the 2030 emissions reduction target of 26‍–28% below 2005 levels.	‘INDCs as communicated by Parties’, UNFCCC [search ‘Australia’ to view submission date]. Australian Government, Australia’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to a New Climate Change Agreement, (Canberra: August 2015).
21 August 2015	*Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet UNFCCC taskforce* *releases* Setting Australia's Post-2020 Target for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions *final report* The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet UNFCCC taskforce was established to advise on Australia’s approach to climate change. Its final report states that Australia’s post‑2020 emission reduction target is a ‘strong and fair contribution’ to the global efforts to mitigate climate change.	PM&C, Setting Australia's Post-2020 Target for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Final Report of the UNFCCC Task Force, (Canberra: Australian Government, 21 August 2015. ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’, PM&C. ‘UNFCCC Taskforce – Review Report’, PM&C.
September 2015 – Minister Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as prime minister after an internal party challenge the day before.
21 September 2015	*Department of Industry and Science renamed the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science* Responsibility for renewable energy technology development is transferred from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to the Department of the Environment. Responsibility for the CEFC and ARENA moves to the Department of the Environment.	‘Administrative Arrangements Order made on 21 September 2015’, PM&C.
7 October 2015	*Federal Opposition announces climate change policies* The ALP commits to an emissions trading scheme and a target of 50% of Australia’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.	B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Speech to All‑Energy Council, Melbourne’, speech, 7 October 2015.
8 October 2015	*Government establishes Office of Climate Change and Renewables Innovation* The office brings together the CER, CEFC, ARENA, the CCA and the climate change and renewable energy functions of the Department of the Environment.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ’Government Invests in Maps of Electricity Grid to Drive Renewables Investment’, media release, 8 October 2015.
28 October 2015	*Minister for the Environment commits to keeping global warming below 2 °C* Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt states, ‘I am committed to strong global action on climate change, and to keeping global warming to 2 degrees. Australia must do our fair share to meet this objective’.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Address to Greenhouse 2015 Conference’, speech, 28 October 2015.
30 November 2015	*CCA releases second special review report* The report outlines options to meet Australia’s emissions reduction target and outlines a framework for evaluating policies. Stakeholder feedback on the report will inform the CCA’s recommendations in the third and final special review report.	CCA, ‘A Fresh Conversation on Australia’s Climate Policy Options’, media release, 30 November 2015. CCA, Special Review Second Draft Report: Australia's Climate Policy Options, (Canberra: Australian Government, November 2015).
6 November 2015	*Australia elected to head Green Climate Fund Board* The UNFCCC’s fund supports developing countries (especially those vulnerable to the effects of climate change) to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.	J. Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and S. Ciobo (Minister for International Development and the Pacific), ‘Australia to Lead Green Climate Fund Board’, joint media release, 6 November 2015.
27 November 2015	*Federal Opposition announces emissions reduction target* Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, announces a 45% emission reduction target by 2030, from 2005 levels, as a ‘basis for consultation’.	B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Labor’s Climate Change Action Plan: Speech to the Lowy Institute, Sydney’, speech, 27 November 2015.
30 November–13 December 2015	*21st UNFCCC COP held in Paris, France* The Paris Agreement is adopted by 196 nations. The agreement aims to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5 °C and to reach peak carbon emissions as soon as possible.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-First Session, Held in Paris from 30 November to 13 December 2015. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2015/10, 26 January 2016.
30 November 2015	*Australia to ratify the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol* Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull makes the announcement at COP21.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference’, media release, 30 November 2015.
2 December 2015	*Government releases* National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy The strategy sets out how Australia is managing climate risks for the benefit of the community, economy and environment.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Australia Releases National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy’, media release, 2 December 2015. Australian Government, National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, (Canberra: 2015).
6 December 2015	*Australian Government establishes International Partnership for Blue Carbon* The partnership is designed to accelerate action on the use of ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, such as mangroves, sea grass beds and salt marshes.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Australia Establishes International Partnership for Blue Carbon’, media release, 6 December 2015.
9 December 2015	*Minister for the Environment discusses net zero emissions* Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt discusses the ‘deep long-term goal’ of net zero emissions by or before the end of the century. This follows his earlier Press Club Address where he discusses the transition to net zero over the course of the century.	G. Jennett, ‘Capital Hill’, ABC News 24, 9 December 2015. G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Paris and Beyond – an Integrated Approach to Climate and the Environment: Address to the National Press Club, Canberra [and] Transcript of National Press Club Q&A’, media release, 25 November 2015.
23 March 2016	*Government announces $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support emerging technologies* The fund will be jointly managed by the CEFC and ARENA.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) and G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Turnbull Government Taking Strong New Approach to Clean and Renewable Energy Innovation in Australia’, joint media release, 23 March 2016.
23 April 2016	*Australia signs Paris Agreement* Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt signs the Paris Agreement, joining over 150 other countries.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) et al., ‘Australia Signs Paris Agreement on Climate Change’, joint media release, 23 April 2016.
27 April 2016	*Federal Opposition releases Climate Change Action Plan* The ALP’s plan commits to the target of a 45% reduction in emissions (from 2004 levels) by 2030 announced in November 2015. It also commits to net zero emissions by 2050, funding of $17.4 million to restore the Climate Change Authority (CCA), and a renewable energy target of 50% by 2030.	B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition) and M. Butler (Shadow Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water), ‘Labor’s Climate Change Action Plan’, joint media release, 27 April 2016. ALP, Climate Change Action Plan: Policy Paper, ALP policy document, Election 2016, 4, 9.
20 May 2016	*Government tasks CSIRO with developing* Low Emissions Technology Roadmap The roadmap is intended to ‘highlight areas of potential growth in Australia’s clean technology sector, map the development of new emissions reduction technologies, and identify opportunities to be part of future global energy supply chains’.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment) et al., ‘Coalition Maps Australia’s Low Emissions Technology Future’, joint media release, 20 May 2016.
13 June 2016	*Coalition announces investment policy commitment for Great Barrier Reef* The policy builds on the existing Reef 2050 Long‑Term Sustainability Plan and if re‑elected, commits to establishing a $1 billion Reef Fund that will run over 10 years and be administered by the CEFC. The fund intends to provide ‘investment finance for projects in the Reef catchment region that deliver clean energy, reduce emissions and improve water quality’.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) and G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Coalition to Deliver $1 Billion Boost to Protect Great Barrier Reef’, joint media release, 13 June 2020.
1 July 2016	*Safeguard mechanism comes into effect* The safeguard mechanism is a legislated obligation for emitters to keep their emissions below their baseline levels.	G. Hunt (Minister for the Environment), ‘Safeguard Mechanism will Support Emissions Reduction’, media release, 6 April 2016.
19 July 2016	*Department of the Environment and Energy replaces Department of the Environment* The new Department of the Environment and Energy assumes responsibility for energy policy, national energy market, industrial energy efficiency and energy efficiency from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.	‘Administrative Arrangements Order – amendment made 19 July 2016’, PM&C.
31 August 2016	*CCA releases third special* *review report* Towards a Climate Policy Toolkit The report is the third and final part of the CCA’s special review (requested 10 December 2014). It sets out a toolkit of both new and strengthened climate change policies. The report states that the toolkit is needed to meet Australia’s Paris Agreement commitments and makes 41 recommendations.	CCA, ‘Australia’s Climate Policy Toolkit’, media release, 31 August 2016. CCA, Towards a Climate Policy Toolkit: Special Review on Australia's Climate Goals and Policies, (Canberra: Australian Government, August 2016).
5 October 2016	*Threshold for Paris Agreement to enter into force achieved* Fifty-five parties to the agreement, accounting for at least an estimated 55% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.	‘Paris Agreement – Status of Ratification’, UNFCCC.
7 October 2016	*COAG Energy Council agrees to independent review to develop a national electricity blueprint* The review aims to ensure Australia’s energy security during a transition to a lower emissions future. It will be led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, and is dubbed the ‘Finkel Review’.	J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘Ministers Agree to Independent Review to Develop a National Energy Security Blueprint’, media release, 7 October 2016.
4 November 2016	*Paris Climate Agreement enters into force* The agreement enters into force, 30 days after all relevant conditions are met.	‘The Paris Agreement’, UNFCCC. UNFCCC, Entry into Force, C.N.735.2016.TREATIES‑XXVII.7.d, 12 December 2015.
7–18 November 2016	*22nd UNFCCC COP held in Marrakech, Morocco* Progress is made writing the rulebook of the Paris Agreement. The Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action is launched. It is intended to provide a framework to help accelerate the scale and pace of climate action among parties and non-party stakeholders.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-Second Session, Held in Marrakech from 7 to 18 November 2016. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2016/10, 31 January 2017.
9 December 2016	*Finkel Review preliminary report released* The preliminary report outlines the forces driving the rapid transition to renewables in the electricity sector and seeks submissions in response that will inform the development of the ‘blueprint’ in the final report.	A. Finkel (Chief Scientist), ‘Media Release: Future Security of the National Electricity Market’, media release, 9 December 2016. A. Finkel et al., Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market: Preliminary Report, (Canberra: Department of the Environment and Energy, December 2016).
24 March 2017	*Government releases* Review of Climate Change Policies Discussion Paper The discussion paper outlines the government’s policies on climate change, its intention to consult with business and the community in the review process and invites submissions.	J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘Climate Change Review Discussion Paper Released’, media release, 24 March 2017. Department of Environment and Energy, Review of Climate Change Policies: Discussion Paper, (Canberra: Australian Government, March 2017).
10 April 2017	*Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and CCA requested to provide energy and emissions policy advice* Minister for the Environment Josh Frydenberg requests that the AEMC and CCA ‘jointly provide advice on policies to enhance power system security and to reduce electricity prices consistent with achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets in the Paris Agreement’.	‘Towards the Next Generation: Delivering Affordable, Secure and Lower Emissions Power’, CCA.
1 June 2017	*US announces withdrawal from the Paris Agreement* Under Article 28 of the agreement, parties may only withdraw 3 years after the date on which the agreement entered into force for that party, with the withdrawal taking effect (at the earliest) one year after the withdrawal notification. The US joined the Paris Agreement before it officially entered into force on 4 November 2016, meaning the earliest possible withdrawal date for the US is 4 November 2020.	M. D. Shear, ‘Trump will Withdraw U.S. from Paris Climate Agreement’, The New York Times (online edition), 1 June 2017. ‘On the Possibility to Withdraw from the Paris Agreement: A Short Overview’, UNFCCC.
2 June 2017	*CCA and AEMC* *release* Towards the Next Generation: Delivering Affordable, Secure and Lower Emissions Power report The CCA and AEMC’s report (requested on 10 April 2017) aims to provide a platform to underpin the better integration of energy and emissions reduction policies. The report makes 20 recommendations.	CCA, ‘Towards the Next Generation: AEMC and CCA Release New Report on Energy’, media release, 2 June 2017. CCA and AEMC, Towards the Next Generation: Delivering Affordable, Secure and Lower Emissions Power, (Canberra: June 2017).
2 June 2017	*CSIRO releases* Low Emissions Technology Roadmap The CSIRO roadmap has 2 key objectives: to identify emission reduction technologies within the energy sector that will help achieve Australia’s emission reduction targets, and to identify economic and job creation opportunities presented by low emission technologies. The roadmap was commissioned to inform the 2017 Climate Policy Review and is welcomed by the government.	J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy) and A. Sinodinos (Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science), ‘Low Emissions Roadmap Looks to a Clean Tech Future’, media release, 2 June 2017. CSIRO, Low Emissions Technology Roadmap, June 2017.
2 June 2017	*Australian Government comments on US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement* The Australian Government’s media release states ‘The Turnbull Government is disappointed that the United States has notified that it will withdraw from this important international agreement’.	J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy) and J. Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), ‘Australia Committed to Paris Agreement on Climate Change’, joint media release, 2 June 2017.
9 June 2017	*Finkel Review* *final report released* The final report focuses on 4 key outcomes: increased security, future reliability, rewarding consumers and lower emissions. The report states that: ‘All governments need to agree to an emissions reduction trajectory to give the electricity sector clarity about how we will meet our international commitments’. It recommends the adoption of a Clean Energy Target.	A. Finkel et al., Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market: Blueprint for the Future, (Canberra: Department of the Environment and Energy, June 2017), 5, 23. J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘Turnbull Government Welcomes Finkel Review’, media release, 9 June 2017.
14 July 2017	*COAG Energy Council responds to Finkel Review* The council agrees on a timeline to implement 49 of the 50 Finkel Review recommendations. It notes that the Commonwealth is ‘carefully considering’ the Clean Energy Target recommendation. The council does not support tasking AEMC to develop options for implementing a Clean Energy Target, but notes that Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT will separately commission the AEMC to do work in this area.	COAG, Communique, (Brisbane: COAG Meeting, 14 July 2017).
28 July 2017	*Due date for the* Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan Review *brought forward* Originally scheduled for 2018, the review of the plan is brought forward due to the impacts of the global coral bleaching event during 2016–17 and future climate projections.	‘Reef 2050 Plan Mid‑Term Review’, Department of Environment and Energy.
9 October 2017	*Federal Opposition releases Energy Plan* The ALP’s plan includes boosting investment in renewable energy, reducing power prices and lowering emissions.	B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition) and J. Clare (Acting Shadow Minister for Energy), ‘Labor’s Energy Plan: Lower Power Prices, Less Pollution, More Jobs’, joint media release, 9 October 2017.
17 October 2017	*Government announces National Energy Guarantee (NEG)* The NEG is made up of 2 parts: a reliability guarantee ‘to deliver the right level of dispatchable energy (from ready‑to‑use sources such as coal, gas, pumped hydro and batteries) needed in each state’, and an emissions guarantee ‘to contribute to Australia's international commitments’ to lower its emissions. The NEG was developed in place of the Clean Energy Target that was proposed in the Finkel Review.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) and J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘National Energy Guarantee to Deliver Affordable, Reliable Electricity’, joint media release, 17 October 2017. M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) et al., ‘Transcript of Press Conference: Parliament House, Canberra: National Energy Guarantee’, 17 October 2017.
6–18 November 2017	*23rd UNFCCC COP held in Bonn, Germany* The ‘Talanoa Dialogue’ is launched. The dialogue consists of a year-long process of discussions, consultations and events that aim to determine how business can contribute to enhancing the ambition of countries’ NDCs to emissions reduction.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-Third Session, Held in Bonn from 6 to 18 November 2017. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2017/11, 8 February 2018. ‘3 takeaways from ICC’s Workshop on the Talanoa Dialogue’, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
11 December 2017	*CCA releases* Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund The CCA’s triennial review of the CFI legislation and the ERF makes 26 recommendations.	‘2017 Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund’, CCA.
19 December 2017	*Government releases* 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies The government’s review finds that Australia is on track to meet the second Kyoto commitment and the 2030 Paris Agreement target and that the current set of policies, ‘with some adjustments, provides the right approach’ to meet the target. The review states that the government will develop a long-term emissions reduction strategy by 2020.	Department of the Environment and Energy, 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies, (Canberra: Australian Government, December 2017), 8. J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘2017 Review of Climate Change Policies Final Report Released’, media release, 19 December 2017.
15 February 2018	*Government responds to joint* *AEMC and CCA* Towards the Next Generation *report* The government considers the report (released 2 June 2017) and recommendations in the context of the 12th COAG Energy Council meeting and the Energy Ministers’ response to the Finkel Review. The government response does not address the recommendations individually and states that several are already being progressed.	‘Australian Government Response to the Joint Climate Change Authority and Australian Energy Market Commission Review on Power System Security – Towards the Next Generation: Delivering Affordable, Secure and Lower Emissions Power’, Department of Environment and Energy.
July 2018	*Federal Opposition releases* National Platform The ALP national platform reaffirms the party’s emissions reduction target of 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and commits to: ‘Work with the business community and others to introduce legal limits on carbon pollution that lets business work out the cheapest and most effective way to operate within pollution caps’.	ALP, A Fair Go For Australia: National Platform, ALP policy document, July 2018, 77.
20 July 2018	*Government releases updated* Reef 2050 Long‑Term Sustainability Plan The government’s revised plan was released following the mid-term review and includes a stronger focus on climate change as a key pressure. The mid-term review did not alter the vision, outcomes, objectives or targets of the plan.	Australian Government and Queensland Government, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, (2018). J. Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy) et al., ‘New and Improved Actions to Protect the Great Barrier Reef’, joint media release, 20 July 2018.
14 August 2018	*Government announces overwhelming party room support for the NEG* Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull states, ‘the Party Room has today overwhelmingly supported the National Energy Guarantee, and as a consequence, we are one step closer to cheaper and more reliable energy’.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of Press Conference: Canberra: 14 August 2018: National Energy Guarantee’, transcript, 14 August 2018.
20 August 2018	*Government announces emissions component of the NEG will not proceed* Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull states that the decision was made due to a lack of bipartisan support and ‘the outstanding reservations of a number of our colleagues’.	M. Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of Joint Press Conference: Parliament House, Canberra: 20 August 2018: National Energy Guarantee; Delivering Lower Electricity Prices’, transcript, 20 August 2018.
24 August 2018 – Treasurer Scott Morrison becomes prime minister after an internal party challenge.
5 September 2018	*Australia adopts Boe Declaration on Regional Security at the 49th Pacific Islands Forum* The declaration states that the Forum Leaders (which includes Australia), ‘reaffirm that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific and our commitment to progress the implementation of the Paris Agreement’.	M. Payne (Minister for Foreign Affairs), ‘Australia to Support New Pacific Fusion Centre’, media release, 5 September 2018. Pacific Islands Forum, ‘Forty‑ninth Pacific Islands Forum’, media release, 5 September 2018. ‘Boe Declaration on Regional Security’, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
11 September 2018	*Government abandons NEG* Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirms that the NEG is no longer going ahead, stating: ‘The National Energy Guarantee legislation, which was going to legislate the Paris Target, is not going ahead. We confirmed that decision at Cabinet last night’.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of Interview with Alan Jones: Radio 2GB: 11 September 2018: Getting Electricity Prices Down; the Liberal Party; Drought Relief; Dairy Farming; Religious Freedom’, transcript, 11 September 2018.
October 2018	*Federal Opposition releases updated Energy Plan* The ALP’s updated plan aims to deliver the following measures: × doubling the original investment in the CEFC × establishing an independent Energy Security and Modernisation Fund × implementing a new Energy Productivity Agenda × installing one million household batteries by 2025. The ALP states that the plan will help to deliver its 50% renewable energy target by 2030.	ALP, Cheaper Cleaner Renewable Energy, ALP policy document, issued October 2018. B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Labor’s Plan for More Renewable Energy and Cheaper Power’, media release, 22 November 2018.
October 2018	*IPCC releases* Global Warming of 1.5 °C Special Report The report includes statements on the risk posed by climate change and estimates that human activity is responsible for approximately 1 °C of global warming above pre-industrial levels. The report states, with high confidence: ‘Global warming is likely to reach 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate’ (emphasis in original quote). The report also warns: ‘Current national pledges on mitigation and adaptation are not enough to stay below the Paris Agreement temperature limits and achieve its adaptation goals’.	V. Masson-Delmotte et al., eds., Global Warming of 1.5 °C: An IPCC Special Report on the Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5 °C Above Pre‑Industrial Levels and Related Global Greenhouse Gas Emission Pathways, in the Context of Strengthening the Global Response to the Threat of Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Efforts to Eradicate Poverty, (Geneva: IPCC, 2018), 4, 40.
30 November 2018	*Australia-wide ‘Strike 4 Climate Action’ takes place* Thousands of schoolchildren across Australia walk out of class to demand the government takes action on climate change.	Z. Naaman, ‘Climate Change Strike: Thousands of School Students Protest Across Australia’, The Guardian, 30 November 2018.
2–15 December 2018	*24th UNFCCC COP held in Katowice, Poland* Parties adopt a set of guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement. The agreed ‘Katowice Climate Package’ outlines mechanisms for making the Paris Agreement operational and promotes international cooperation and encourages greater ambition.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-Fourth Session, Held in Katowice from 2 to 15 December 2018. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2018/10, 19 March 2019.
21 December 2018	*CCA releases* Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation The legislation establishes the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, the safeguard mechanism and an administration and compliance framework, including auditing requirements for these and other climate change policies. The CCA’s review finds that the legislation is working well, meeting its objectives and is generally fit for purpose. The report makes 20 recommendations to reduce scheme costs and enhance administration. The CCA is required to complete further reviews every 5 years.	‘Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation’, CCA.
25 February 2019	*Government announces Climate Solutions Package* The government’s $3.5 billion package will help to ‘deliver on Australia’s 2030 climate commitments’ and builds on existing government policies. Of the $3.5 billion in the package, $2 billion will go towards a Climate Solutions Fund, which will be invested through the existing ERF.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister) and M. Price (Minister for the Environment), ‘Meeting Our Climate Commitments Without Wrecking the Economy’, joint media release, 25 February 2019. Australian Government, Climate Solutions Package, (Canberra: 2019).
March 2019	*Government responds to CCA’s* Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund The government welcomes the review finding that the ERF is performing well and responds to each of the 26 recommendations.	Australian Government, Australian Government Response to the Climate Change Authority’s Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund, (Canberra: March 2019).
1 April 2019	*Federal Opposition releases updated* Climate Action Plan policy The ALP’s update of its April 2016 plan reaffirms its national emission reduction target of 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The plan also includes a target for 50% new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030 and promises that an ALP government will not use Kyoto credits to meet Australia’s Paris Agreement targets.	B. Shorten (Leader of the Opposition) and M. Butler (Shadow Minister Climate Change and Energy), ‘Labor will Act on Climate Change and Hand a Better Deal to our Kids’, joint media release, 1 April 2019. ALP, Labor’s Climate Change Action Plan, ALP policy document, Election 2019.
3 May 2019	*The Coalition releases an environment policy plan* The plan outlines multiple environmental commitments including: • establishing a $100 million Environment Restoration Fund • implementing a $167 million Australian Recycling Investment plan. The plan reaffirms the Coalition’s 2030 emissions reduction target of 26–28% below 2005 levels (announced 11 August 2015) and its $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package (announced 25 February 2019).	Liberal-National Coalition, Our Plan for a Cleaner Environment, Coalition policy document, Election 2019, 3 May 2019.
1 July 2019	*Retailer Reliability Obligation comes into effect* A revised version of the reliability guarantee component of the NEG, named the Retailer Reliability Obligation, comes into effect.	‘Retailer Reliability Obligation’, DISER.
August 2019	*Government responds to CCA’s* Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation The government welcomes the findings of the CCA’s review and responds to each of the 20 recommendations.	Australian Government, Australian Government Response to the Climate Change Authority’s Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation, (Canberra: August 2019).
4 September 2019	*Government announces 2020 RET will be met early* The government announces that the revised large‑scale RET of 33,000 GWh of renewable energy will be met ahead of the 2020 deadline.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Record Investment in Renewables Confirms 2020 Renewable Energy Target will be Met Early’, media release, 4 September 2019.
20–27 September 2019	*Multiple international strikes and protests take place to demand action on climate change* In Australia, organisers of the event estimate 300,000 people attend in more than 100 cities and towns.	M. McDonald, ‘Highly Touted UN Climate Summit Failed to Deliver’, The Conversation, 24 September 2019. L. Henriques-Gomes et al., ‘Hundreds of Thousands Attend School Climate Strike Rallies Across Australia’, The Guardian, 20 September 2019.
22 November 2019	*COAG releases National Hydrogen Strategy* The strategy presents hydrogen as an important tool to contribute to long‑term emissions reductions in Australia. It identifies 57 ‘first step’ joint actions themed around national coordination, developing production capacity, supported by local demand; responsive regulation; international engagement; innovation and research and development; skills and workforce; and community confidence.	COAG Energy Council Hydrogen Working Group, Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy, (Canberra: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, November 2019). A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Australian Governments back a Hydrogen Future and Reliability Changes’, media release, 22 November 2019.
1 November 2019	*Government releases* Climate Change Action Strategy (2020‍–25) The strategy supports Australia’s ‘climate investments and assists the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to meet Australia’s climate finance commitments’. The strategy focuses on the Indo-Pacific and outlines the following 3 main objectives: × ‘support partner countries to adapt to climate change, and to plan, prepare for and respond × promote the shift to lower‑emissions development in the Indo‑Pacific region × support innovative solutions to climate change, including those that engage private sector investment’.	DFAT, Climate Change Action Strategy, (Australian Government, October 2019), 3. ‘Climate Change Action Strategy’, DFAT.
7 December 2019	*Government announces development of* Technology Investment Roadmap The roadmap aims to establish an enduring, strategic approach to Australia’s low emissions technology investment over the near (to 2022), medium (to 2030) and long-term future (post‑2030).	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘2019 Emissions Projections Released’, media release, 7 December 2019.
2–15 December 2019	*25th UNFCCC COP held in Madrid, Spain* COP25 aims to finalise the operating manual for the Paris Agreement. However, the talks are unable to reach a consensus in many areas, delaying decisions until 2020 when the agreement is to come into effect. Matters that are delayed include reporting requirements for transparency, allowing the use of Kyoto-era carry-over credits (which Australia sought) and setting common timeframes for climate pledges.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-Fifth Session, Held in Madrid from 2 to 15 December 2019. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2019/13, 16 March 2020. ‘COP25: Key Outcomes Agreed at the UN Climate Talks in Madrid’, Carbon Brief.
2020s
1 February 2020	*Multiple government departments are restructured* The Department of the Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture are merged to form the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science is replaced by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. This new department absorbs the energy functions from the Department of the Environment and Energy.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘New Structure of Government Departments’, media release, 5 December 2019.
21 February 2020	*Federal Opposition reaffirms net zero emissions by 2050 target* The ALP reaffirms its net zero emissions by 2050 target and reiterates that an ALP government will not use Kyoto carryover credits.	A. Albanese (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Leadership in a New Climate: Address to Per Capita, Melbourne’, speech, 21 February 2020.
19 March 2020	*CCA releases* Prospering in a Low‑Emissions World: an Updated Climate Policy Toolkit for Australia *report* The report makes 35 recommendations to assist Australia’s transition to a low emissions future. It builds on the CCA’s 2016 report Towards a Climate Policy Toolkit: Special Review on Australia’s Climate Goals and Policies (see 31 August 2016).	CCA, ‘Prospering in a Low‑Emissions World: an Updated Climate Policy Toolkit for Australia’, media release, 19 March 2020.
1 April 2020	*26th* *UNFCCC COP is postponed* The COP26 UN climate change conference, set to take place in Glasgow in November 2020 is postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNFCCC later announces (in May 2020) that the conference will take place over 1–12 November 2021.	UNFCCC, ‘COP26 Postponed’, media release, 1 April 2020. UNFCCC, ‘Governments Commit to Take Forward Vital Work to Tackle Climate change in 2020’, media release, 28 May 2020.
19 May 2020	*Government releases final* Report of the Expert Panel Examining Additional Sources of Low Cost Abatement *(King Review)* The expert panel was appointed by the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, in 2019 and led by former Business Council of Australia president Grant King. The panel was commissioned to identify new low‑cost emissions reduction opportunities. The panel undertook a targeted consultation for the review and circulated a discussion paper to selected stakeholders. The final report presents 26 recommendations on the following 3 themes: × improving the ERF × incentivising voluntary action on a broader scale × unlocking the technologies needed to decarbonise the economy. The government’s response agrees with most of the recommendations made in the report, including: × providing ARENA and the CEFC with a technology-neutral remit × amending the ERF legislation to enable a method to be developed for carbon capture and storage and/or carbon capture, utilisation and storage.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Building on the success of the Emissions Reduction Fund’, media release, 19 May 2020. Australian Government, Government Response to the Expert Panel Report Examining Additional Sources of Low Cost Abatement, (Canberra, May 2020).
21 May 2020	*Government releases* Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper The government outlines its approach to prioritising technology investments.	DISER, Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper, (Canberra: Australian Government, May 2020). A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Harnessing New Technology to Grow Jobs and the Economy and Lower Emissions’, media release, 21 May 2020.
15 September 2020	*Government announces a gas-fired recovery following COVID-19* The government’s media release states ‘Gas is part of the government’s plan to reduce emissions without imposing new costs on households, while at the same time creating jobs, growing businesses and the economy’.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister) et al., ‘Gas‑fired Recovery’, joint media release, 15 September 2020.
22 September 2020	*Government releases* First Low Emissions Technology Statement The statement is the first milestone in the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap. It identifies the government’s 5 priority low emissions technologies for Australia: × clean hydrogen × energy storage × low carbon materials × carbon capture and storage × soil carbon measurement.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Technology-led Plan to Lower Emissions, Lower Costs and Support Jobs’, media release, 22 September 2020. DISER, First Low Emissions Technology Statement – 2020, (Canberra: Australian Government, September 2020).
9 October 2020	*CCA* *releases* 2020 Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund The CCA’s review makes 23 recommendations focusing on: × giving participants greater confidence over the future market for ACCUs and a greater say in the range of activities in the scheme and how they are implemented × the integrity of the scheme × building the scheme’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.	CCA, Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund, (Canberra: Australian Government, October 2020). ‘Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund 2020’, CCA.
26 October 2020	*Australia and Singapore sign Low Emissions Technology Memorandum of Understanding* Under the memorandum of understanding, Australia and Singapore will cooperate to deliver ‘practical projects and initiatives to advance low‑emissions solutions, including new and emerging low‑emissions technologies’.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Australia and Singapore to Work Together to Accelerate Low Emissions Technologies’, media release, 26 October 2020.
4 November 2020	*US officially withdraws from the Paris Agreement* The US, the second largest emitter globally, had a Paris target to reduce emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2025.	Q. Schiermeier, ‘The US has Left the Paris Climate Deal – What’s Next?’, Nature (online edition), 4 November 2020.
30 November 2020	*Government announces Australia met its 2020 emissions reduction target* The government states that Australia overachieved the target to reduce emissions to 5% below 2000 levels by 2020 by 459 Mt of CO₂-e. This amount includes 128 Mt of CO₂-e carryover credits from the previous Kyoto commitment period (2008–2012).	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Australia Beats 2020 Target by 459 Million Tonnes’, media release, 30 November 2020. DISER, Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: June 2020, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2020), 25.
11 December 2020	*Prime minister commits to achieving net zero emissions ‘as soon as possible’* Prime Minister Scott Morrison states: ‘We’re committed to achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible. Our long‑term emissions reduction strategy to be launched ahead of COP26 will provide the necessary detail on our plan’.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Address to the Pacific Islands Forum, Parliament House ACT’, speech, 11 December 2020.
12 December 2020	*COP26 Virtual Climate Ambitions Summit* The virtual summit sees over 70 world leaders meet virtually to announce new and stronger commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Many of them acknowledge that the climate crisis will be the defining challenge of the 21st century. Invitations to speak at the summit were provided to those leaders announcing stronger commitments. The UN Secretary‑General, Antonio Guterres, opens the summit by calling on world leaders to declare a State of Climate Emergency until the world reaches carbon neutrality.	Climate ambition summit 2020 website. A. Guterres (UN Secretary‑General), ‘Secretary‑General’s Remarks at the Climate Ambition Summit’, speech, 12 December 2020. P. Coorey, ‘Morrison Brushes Off Summit Speaking Snub’, Australian Financial Review, 11 December 2020.
31 December 2020	*Australia submits updated NDC communication to the UNFCCC* The 2020 communication reaffirms the 2030 emission reduction target of 26–28% below 2005 levels and outlines the emissions reduction actions and measures undertaken by the government since 2015.	‘NDC Registry’, UNFCCC. Australian Government, Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution: Communication 2020, (Canberra: 2020).
26 January 2021	*Government announces new climate resilience measures* Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, announces plans to: · update the 2015 National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy · establish a National Resilience Relief and Recovery Agency · establish Climate and Resilience Services Australia. The new agency and service will be established in July 2021 and will ‘drive adaptation, enhance resilience and ensure effective relief and recovery from natural hazards’.	S. Ley (Minister for the Environment), ‘Speech to the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021’, speech, 26 January 2021.
1 February 2021	*Prime minister commits to reach net zero emissions ‘preferably by 2050’* Prime Minister Scott Morrison states: ‘Our goal is to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050’.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Address to the National Press Club, Barton’, speech, 1 February 2021, 5.
19 February 2021	*US officially rejoins the Paris Agreement* The US media release states: ‘On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today’.	A. J. Blinken (US Secretary of State), ‘The United States Officially Rejoins the Paris Agreement’, media release, 19 February 2021.
19 March 2021	*Australia joins the global Adaptation Action Coalition* The Adaptation Action Coalition, founded in January 2021, aims to achieve a climate resilient world by 2030 by supporting actions to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change globally.	S. Ley (Minister for the Environment), ‘Australia Joins Coalition for Climate Adaptation Action’, media release, 19 March 2021. ‘Adaptation Action Coalition’, World Resources Institute.
23 April 2021	*Government announces development of* *Indo‑Pacific High-Integrity Carbon Offset Scheme* The scheme will be modelled on the ERF. The government commits $59.9 million to develop the scheme.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Australia Announces $100 Million Initiative to Protect our Oceans’, media release, 23 April 2021.
5 May 2021	*Government announces ‘Australian Climate Service’ initiative* The initiative will bring together climate scientists and research to help Australia better anticipate, manage and adapt to climate impacts, and inform long-term planning. The government commits $210 million to the initiative; it is expected to begin in July 2021.	S. Ley (Minister for the Environment), ‘A New National Climate Service for Australia’, media release, 5 May 2021.
24 May 2021	*Government introduces Regulations* *allowing ARENA to fund low emission* *technologies* The Australian Renewable Energy Agency Amendment (2020–21 Budget Programs) Regulations 2021 expand the remit of ARENA to allow the agency to fund ‘emerging low-emission technologies’ other than renewable energy technologies. The Regulations prescribe an additional function of providing financial assistance in relation to the 5 programs announced in the 2020–21 Budget, including the Technology Investment Roadmap. The Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation raises significant scrutiny concerns regarding the Regulations, including that the instrument expands the scope of ARENA beyond that envisaged by Parliament when the agency was legislated. On 22 June 2021, the Regulations are disallowed by the Senate and they cease to have effect.	Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, Delegated Legislation Monitor, 12, 2021, 11 August 2021: 8–14. Disallowance division, ‘Australian Renewable Energy Agency Amendment (2020–21 Budget Programs) Regulations 2021’, Senate, Debates, 22 June 2021.
27 May 2021	*Climate change duty of care* Justice Bromberg in the Federal Court finds that the Environment Minister, in deciding whether or not to approve a coal mine expansion under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid causing personal injury to Australian children arising from carbon dioxide emissions and subsequent impacts of climate change. On 15 March 2022, the finding is overturned on appeal in the Full Federal Court.	Sharma by her litigation representative Sister Marie Brigid Arthur v Minister for the Environment [2021] FCA 560 E. de Wit and K. Luck, ‘Landmark Climate Change Decision’, Norton Rose Fulbright, June 2021. Environmental Law Australia, ‘Sharma v Minister for the Environment’.
11–13 June 2021	*G7 Summit held in the UK* Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends the summit as a guest. The G7 leaders communique commits to: × seek to limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5 °C and reach net zero emissions by 2050 × end new direct funding of unabated international coal‑fired power stations by the end of 2021 × halve collective emissions over the 2 decades to 2030 × protect a minimum 30% each of land and oceans by 2030.	Group of Seven (G7), Communique, (United Kingdom: G7 Summit, Carbis Bay, June 2021), 13–18.
1 July 2021	*Government establishes Australian Climate Service* The service (announced 5 May 2021) will support Emergency Management Australia and the recently established National Recovery and Resilience Agency. The Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, states: ‘This service, which will expand its capability over the next four years, will help ready us for natural disasters before they happen, enabling better planning and preparation ahead of time’.	S. Ley (Minister for the Environment), ‘New Australian Climate Service goes Live’, media release, 1 July 2021.
3 August 2021	*Government again introduces Regulations allowing* *ARENA to fund low emission* *technologies* The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Implementing the Technology Investment Roadmap) Regulations 2021 expand ARENA’s remit to fund emerging low emission technologies. The Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation again raises significant concerns regarding the Regulations and recommends that the Senate disallow the Regulations. The chair of the committee gives notice of a motion to disallow the instrument on 18 October 2021. The Regulations are disallowed on 28 March 2022.	Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, Delegated Legislation Monitor, 14, 2021, 29 September 2021: 8–13. Senate Notice Paper, 122, 2021, 19 October 2021: 17. Australia, Senate, Journals, 137, 2021–22, 28 March 2022, 4561.
9 August 2021	*IPCC releases first part of* Sixth Assessment Report The IPCC’s report states: ‘It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land’. It reports that under the most ambitious emissions reduction scenario, the world is ‘more likely than not’ to reach warming of 1.5 °C within the next 2 decades.	IPCC, Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis: Working Group I Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report, (Cambridge: IPCC, 2021), SPM‑18.
13 August 2021	*CSIRO releases* CO₂ Utilisation Roadmap The CSIRO’s roadmap examines how Australia can scale up its use of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and identifies 4 opportunity areas for Australia. CCU is defined by the roadmap as ‘the conversion of CO₂ captured from emissions sources or the atmosphere into valuable lower or zero emission products’.	V. Srinivasan et al., CO₂Utilisation Roadmap, (Canberra: CSIRO, 2021). CSIRO, ‘New CSIRO Roadmap Highlights Opportunity for Australia to Lead in Carbon Capture and Utilisation’, media release, 13 August 2021.
23 August 2021	Department releases Discussion Paper: King Review Safeguard Crediting Mechanism The discussion paper outlines a proposal for a ‘Safeguard Crediting Mechanism’ scheme, one of the recommendations made by the final report of the King Review (see 19 May 2020). The proposed scheme would allow facilities covered under the safeguard mechanism to undertake ‘transformative abatement projects’ and earn ‘Safeguard Mechanism Credits’ by reducing emissions below their established baselines. The scheme is described as a ‘low-emissions technology deployment incentive scheme’ (similar to the RET) as opposed to an offset scheme (such as the ERF). Consultation on the proposed scheme will take place from 24 August to 6 October 2021, with feedback informing ‘detailed policy design to be set in subordinate legislation before 1 July 2022’.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Consultation on New Safeguard Crediting Mechanism’, media release, 23 August 2021. DISER, Discussion Paper: King Review Safeguard Crediting Mechanism, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2021), 3. Safeguard Crediting Mechanism: Discussion Paper, DISER.
1 October 2021	*Government announces new ERF method development priorities for 2022* To expand the range of activities eligible under the ERF, the government announces 5 new method development priorities for the ERF, including: × transport × hydrogen × integrated farm method × carbon capture use and storage × savanna fire management.	A. Taylor (Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘New ERF Method and 2022 Priorities Announced’, media release, 1 October 2021. ‘Method development’, CER.
24 October 2021	*National Party conditionally agrees to support LPA’s 2050 net zero emissions target* Nationals Party Leader Barnaby Joyce states ‘The support for a Net Zero 2050 emissions goal is conditional on Cabinet endorsing the commitments agreed to by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister’.	B. Joyce (Deputy Prime Minister), ‘The Nationals Party Moves Forward of Net Zero 2050’, media release, 24 October 2021. S. Martin and K. Murphy, ‘Nationals Agree to Net Zero Target by 2050 Despite Barnaby Joyce’s Opposition’, The Guardian, 24 October 2021.
26 October 2021	*Government announces target of* *net zero emissions by 2050 and releases* Australia’s Long‑Term Emissions Reduction Plan The plan outlines contributions from the following sources of abatement needed to reach net zero: × 20% from reductions already made (up to 2020) × 40% from the technology investment roadmap × 15% from global technology trends × 10–20% from international and domestic offsets × 15% from further technology breakthroughs. The plan confirms that the 2050 net zero target will be submitted as an NDC under the Paris Agreement, but not legislated.	DISER, Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan: a Whole-Of-Economy Plan to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2020). S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘The Australian Way’, media release, 26 October 2021.
26 October 2021	Government releases Australia’s Emissions Projections 2021 The report details Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions projections to 2030, and notes that Australia can: × overachieve the 2030 emissions reduction target (26–28% below 2005 levels) by at least 4% and up to 9% × achieve a 30% emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2030, ‘in both Paris budget accounting terms and as a point-in-time reduction on 2005 levels’.	DISER, Australia’s Emissions Projections 2021, (Canberra: Australian Government, October 2021), 1. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ‘Projecting Australia’s Emissions: 2021 Report’, media release, 26 October 2021.
26 October 2021	UN Environmental Program releases 2021 Emissions Gap Report The report states that all new and updated NDCs, plus other national climate commitments, will result in a global temperature rise of at least 2.7 °C by the end of the century – well above the goals of the Paris Agreement. If all current net zero emissions pledges were implemented effectively, the global temperature rise would be 2.2 °C. To keep global warming below 1.5 °C this century, the world would have to halve annual emissions in the next 8 years.	UNEP, Emissions Gap Report 2021: the Heat is On – a World of Climate Promises Not Yet Delivered, (Nairobi: 2021). ‘Emissions Gap Report 2021’, UNEP.
28 October 2021	*Australia submits updated NDC communication to the UNFCCC* The 2021 communication updates Australia’s first NDC under the Paris Agreement to include the target of net zero emissions by 2050. The update reaffirms the 2030 emissions reduction target of 26–28% below 2005 levels.	‘NDC Registry: AUSTRALIA’, UNFCCC. DISER, Australia Nationally Determined Contribution Update: Communication 2021, (Canberra: Australian Government, October 2021).
29 October 2021	Government releases updated National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 The updated strategy replaces the previous strategy (released 2 December 2015) and outlines how the government will situate ‘Australia to better anticipate, manage and adapt to the impacts of climate change’. It has 3 main objectives, to drive investment and action through collaboration; improve climate information and services; and assess progress and improve over time.	Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2021). S. Ley (Minister for the Environment), ‘National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy’, media release, 29 October 2021.
31 October–13 November 2021	*26th UNFCCC COP held in Glasgow, UK* The Glasgow Climate Pact is agreed by all parties, including Australia. The pact finalises the ‘Paris Rulebook’, including Article 6, and calls on nations to ‘phase down unabated coal power and inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels’. It outlines the key decisions agreed to by the parties, including: × building resilience to climate change × curbing greenhouse gas emissions × providing the necessary finance to achieve both. Other outcomes from COP26 include: × Glasgow leaders’ declaration on forests and land use (which Australia signed) × global coal to clean power transition statement × the US$100 billion climate finance goal is expected to be met in 2023 × declaration on accelerating the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans × Global Methane Pledge × US and China’s joint agreement on climate action.	UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties on its Twenty-Sixth Session, Held in Glasgow from 31 October to 13 November 2021. Part One: Proceedings, FCCC/CP/2021/12, 8 March 2022. ‘The Glasgow Climate Pact – Key Outcomes from COP26’, UNFCCC.
1 November 2021	*Fiji joins Indo-Pacific Carbon Offsets Scheme* Fiji is the first international partner to join the scheme (see 23 April 2021). The government commits a further $44 million, in addition to the $59.9 million originally announced.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Australia and Fiji Partner on High Integrity Carbon Offsets to Reduce Emissions’, media release, 1 November 2021.
2 November 2021	Government releases Second Low Emissions Technology Statement The second statement provides estimated timeframes for the technology economic stretch goals and commits the government to developing a voluntary zero emissions gas market in Australia. Ultra-low-cost solar electricity generation is introduced as a new priority technology along with the technology category ‘enabling infrastructure’. Methane-reducing feed supplements for cattle and sheep and low emissions cement are nominated as emerging low emissions technologies.	DISER, Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021, (Canberra: Australian Government, November 2021). A. Taylor (Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Address at Launch of the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021, COP26, Glasgow’, speech, 2 November 2021.
9 November 2021	Government releases Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy The strategy outlines ‘a technology‑led approach to reducing emissions in the transport sector’. Five priority initiatives are identified: × ‘charging and refuelling infrastructure where it’s needed’ × ‘early focus on commercial fleets’ × ‘improving information for motorists and fleets’ × ‘integrating electric vehicles into the grid’ × ‘supporting Australian innovation and manufacturing’.	DISER, Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy, (Canberra: Australian Government, November 2021), 8. S. Morrison (Prime Minister) and A. Taylor (Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Driving Consumer Choice and Uptake of Low‑Emissions Vehicles’, media release, 9 November 2021.
10 November 2021	*Government announces Low Emissions Technology Commercialisation Fund* The $1 billion fund, to be administered by the CEFC, will be used for investment in Australian companies to develop new low emission technologies. The government will contribute $500 million to the fund with the other $500 million to come from private sector investors. The government’s media release notes it will introduce legislation to establish the fund in this term of Parliament.	S. Morrison (Prime Minister), ‘Billion Dollar Fund to Drive Low Emissions Technology Investment’, media release, 10 November 2021. CEFC, ‘CEFC statement on Proposed Low Emissions Technology Commercialisation Fund’, media release, 11 November 2021.
12 November 2021	Government releases Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan: Modelling and Analysis The modelling specifies the methods, assumptions and results from the DISER‑conducted economic modelling that informed the development of the government’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan and the associated net zero emissions by 2050 target.	DISER, Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan: Modelling and Analysis, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2021). A. Taylor (Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Modelling and Analysis for Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan’, media release, 12 November 2021.
19 November 2021	Government releases Australia’s Bioenergy Roadmap Report The roadmap identifies economic and emissions reduction opportunities from the bioenergy sector.	ENEA Australia and Deloitte Financial Advisory, Australia’s Bioenergy Roadmap, (ARENA, November 2021). B. Joyce (Deputy Prime Minister) and A. Taylor (Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction), ‘Advancing Australia's Bioenergy Sector’, joint media release, 19 November 2021.
3 December 2021	*Federal Opposition releases emissions reduction policy* Powering Australia The ALP’s policy makes the following key commitments: × update Australia’s NDC to an emission reduction target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 × increase renewable energy in the national market to 82% by 2030 × gradually reduce the emissions baselines of facilities covered under the ERF safeguard mechanism × invest $20 billion to upgrade the national electricity grid × introduce an electric car discount and a National Electric Vehicle Strategy.	ALP, Powering Australia, ALP policy document. A. Albanese (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Powering Australia: Labor’s Plan to Create Jobs, Cut Power Bills and Reduce Emissions by Boosting Renewable Energy, Media Release’, media release, 3 December 2021.

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[1]. Anita Talberg, Simeon Hui and Kate Loynes, Australian Climate Change Policy to 2015: a Chronology, Research paper series, 2015–16 (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 5 May 2016).

[2]. Some text from the 2015 chronology has been edited for clarity and hyperlinks to sources have been refreshed.

[3]. Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and CSIRO, State of the Climate 2022, (Canberra: 2022), 3.

[4]. International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis: Summary for Policymakers. Working Group I Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, (Cambridge: IPCC, 2021), SPM‑10.

[5]. ‘Climate Change in Australia’, CSIRO.

[6]. IPCC, Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis, SPM‑5.

[7]. BOM, ‘Annual Australian Climate Statement 2021 – Temperature’, BOM, 2022.

[8]. BOM and CSIRO, State of the Climate 2022, 4–5, 8, 12, 15, 17.

[9]. BOM and CSIRO, 3, 25.

[10]. ‘Climate Change in Australia’, CSIRO.

[11]. IPCC, ‘Climate Change Widespread, Rapid, and Intensifying – IPCC’, media release, 9 August 2021.

[12]. IPCC, ‘Climate Change Widespread’.

[13]. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, opened for signature 4 June 1992, [1994] ATS 2 (entered into force generally and for Australia 21 March 1994); ‘Status of Treaties: 7. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’, United Nations Treaty Collection.

[14]. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), ‘What Is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?’, UNFCCC website; Sophie Power, Paris Climate Agreement: a Quick Guide, Research paper series, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 10 November 2017), 1.

[15]. Power.

[16]. ‘What Is the Paris Agreement?’, UNFCCC, 2022.

[17]. ‘International climate change commitments’, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER), 4 January 2022.

[18]. DISER, Australia Nationally Determined Contribution Communication 2022, (Canberra: Australian Government, 2022), 3; ‘NDC Registry’, UNFCCC.

[19]. Emily Hanna and Elizabeth Smith, ‘Climate Change and Emissions Reduction’, Parliamentary Library Briefing Book: Key issues for the 47th Parliament, 2021–22, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, June 2022); Tessa Satherley and Daniel May, ‘Natural Disasters and Climate Risk’, Parliamentary Library Briefing Book: Key issues for the 47th Parliament, 2021–22, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, June 2022); Tessa Satherley and Elizabeth Smith, ‘Climate Action and Natural Disaster Mitigation’, Budget Review October 2022–23, 2021–22, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2022).