Climate Change 2022

# Climate Change Bill 2022 — Plain English Breakdown ## What it does This law sets Australia's official targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and requires the government to publish yearly reports explaining its climate progress. It also gives the Climate Change Authority a formal role advising the government on whether its targets are on track and what they should be. ## Why it matters For the first time, Australia has legally binding emissions reduction targets embedded in law rather than just policy promises. This makes it harder for future governments to quietly abandon climate commitments, and gives citizens and courts a clearer way to hold politicians accountable. ## Key details - **Annual reporting**: The government must publish a climate change statement every year showing where emissions stand and what's being done about it - **Independent advice**: The Climate Change Authority (an existing body) now has a formal job to assess whether targets are realistic and to advise on updates - **Regular reviews**: Parliament must review how this law is working every few years to see if targets need adjusting - **Starts immediately**: The law takes effect the day after receiving Royal Assent (the Governor-General's signature)

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament