Bowen Defends Climate Record as Pressure Mounts Ahead of 2035 Emissions Target
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Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says Australia is on track to meet its 2030 climate goals but concedes transport emissions remain a stubborn challenge, as political debate intensifies over the nation’s 2035 target and the release of a national climate risk assessment.
In an interview on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing, Bowen said new federal data shows Australia cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6.5 million tonnes in the year to March, with every sector trending downward except transport.
“Good steady progress, encouraging figures across the board,” Bowen said. “Every sector down except for transport, so I think we should analyze that first. Electricity, industry, stationary energy, all down. Transport up about half a million tonnes.”
He attributed the rise to record use of diesel and aviation fuels, noting that new vehicle efficiency standards had yet to make an impact. “I’m the first to agree there’s more to do,” he said, pointing to government efforts to expand sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon technologies.
Crossbench Push for Climate Risk Framework
Bowen’s comments came as independent MP Zali Stegall and other crossbenchers renewed criticism of the government’s climate strategy, accusing Labor of indulging “sideshow” debates rather than prioritizing urgent risk planning.
Stegall has introduced a private member’s bill for a national climate risk framework. She argued the government’s delay in releasing its own risk assessment undermines preparedness for worsening climate impacts.
“Lives and livelihoods across the country are already being impacted,” Stegall said in Parliament. “We’re giving time for a sideshow, Barnaby, to have his bill debated but not this one, and it really beggars belief.”
The Greens have also signaled plans to push for an inquiry into what they call Labor’s “secrecy” on the risk assessment, urging the government to release findings immediately.
Bowen rejected that criticism, saying the government would release both the National Climate Risk Assessment and the linked National Adaptation Plan in September. “Of course,” he said when pressed on whether the documents would be made public. “They are linked. They will be released together.”
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Joyce Bill Rekindles Net-Zero Debate
The renewed focus on climate policy coincides with a fresh push from Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, whose private bill questioning Australia’s commitment to net zero emissions was granted debate time in Parliament.
Critics have labeled the bill a distraction. But Bowen said it was important to air the debate openly.
“It’s a very legitimate debate for the Parliament if there’s a side of politics which now pretty much everyone in the LNP says they are against net zero,” he said. “Let’s have the debate. We’re not shying away from that.”
Bowen accused the Nationals of being out of step with their constituents. “Right across rural and regional Australia, there’s strong support for the transition,” he said. “The National Party is just so far out of touch with their voters.”
Eyes on 2035 Target
The government is preparing to set Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target, which will be announced in September ahead of the United Nations Climate Summit in Brazil in November.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged developed nations to submit clear targets by September. Bowen confirmed the timeline, stressing the process would follow the advice of the Climate Change Authority.
“I must receive the Climate Change Authority advice. It will be released to the public transparently. All that will occur during September,” he said.
Bowen declined to say whether the new target would be expressed as a single figure or a range, though he noted that both approaches are common internationally. “Plenty of countries have set a range, and I’m certainly not critical of those countries that have done it,” he said.
Polls Show Public Support for Ambition
A recent Resolve Political Monitor survey found voters are open to more ambitious climate targets, with majority support for strong emissions cuts.
While Bowen acknowledged reading the poll, he said targets would be based on science, not public opinion. “We don’t set targets based on opinion polls,” he said. “We set targets based on the science and the evidence about what’s achievable.”
Still, he argued the poll reflected Australians’ broad support for climate action. “That poll is a reminder that the Australian people instructed us … to get on with the job. They want us to keep getting on with the job,” he said.
EV Road User Charge Under Discussion
The interview also turned to the contentious issue of road funding as petrol tax revenue declines with the rise of electric vehicles. States are exploring a possible road user charge for EVs, raising concerns it could dampen adoption.
Bowen insisted no final decision has been made. “This is not a done deal,” he said. “People shouldn’t think that this is, you know, a decided government policy. It does need to be very, very carefully worked through.”
He emphasized the government’s long-standing view that a road user charge would eventually be necessary but said details and timing were still under consideration. “Its time will come, but it does need to be very, very carefully worked through,” he said.
September Climate Sprint
Bowen signaled September will be a pivotal month for climate policy, with multiple reports and plans due for release alongside the 2035 target. These include the national risk assessment, the adaptation plan, a national net zero strategy and sectoral road maps.
“September will be a very, very busy month for those interested in climate, particularly me,” he said.
The minister said Australia’s progress to date demonstrated credibility on the world stage. “Pretty encouraging progress by Australia and Australians, I’d say,” Bowen said.
Why It Matters
The coming months mark a critical juncture in Australia’s climate strategy, as the government sets its next emissions target, faces international scrutiny, and contends with domestic pressure from crossbenchers, Greens and the opposition.
With transport emissions rising and communities already facing the costs of extreme weather, decisions made this year will shape Australia’s trajectory toward net zero and its credibility in global negotiations.
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