The federal government has secured the support it needs to implement its central climate change commitment, after securing a deal with the Greens after months of safeguard mechanism negotiations.
Adam Bandt has accused Labor of “gaslighting” and “greenwashing” for allowing new coal and gas mines to offset emissions in its upgraded safeguards mechanism.
A key environment group has toughened its stance on Labor’s climate change legislation, endorsing calls from the Greens and crossbenchers for the Albanese government to add a ratchet mechanism to boost the 43% target over time.
The Greens have proposed a $19bn plan to diversify fossil fuel-reliant towns and subsidise the wages of coal workers who transition into new jobs, saying employees can stay in mining but should seek employment in critical minerals or green metals.
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions dropped last year to levels not seen in more than 30 years due mostly to the coronavirus pandemic that put a handbrake on fossil fuel burning in the transport sector and slowed economic activity.
