The Australia Institute made a submission on the proposed amendments to the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008.

The Australia Institute recommends that:

1) The title of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 be renamed to the Climate Change Emergency Response Act 2018

2) A preamble be added to the Act that includes: Tasmania recognises that, along with other Australian States, Tasmania must take action to respond to the climate emergency and that the level of response must match the urgency of the crisis. Tasmania through its leadership position on renewable energy and its clever and connected communities is in a position to be a leader for the rest of the nation.

3) A climate change advisory body be set up to advise the Premier on climate risks and opportunities. The advisory body would include leading experts from the scientific, industry, biosecurity, emergency services and community sectors.

4) The Act require a sectoral analysis of threats and opportunities associated with the changing climate over the next decade, based on the best available science and that the analysis is completed within 12 months of the amendments to the Act being passed, with the climate change advisory board to take charge of it.

5) The Act require an analysis of the State’s emergency services capability to respond to the changing climate over the next decade and that the analysis is completed within 12 months of the amendments to the Act being passed.  

The independent review made five recommendations for amending the Act. The Australia Institute’s submission responds to each recommendation.