The Climate Council, an independent, community-funded organisation campaigning for effective action on climate change in Australia, released a report recently on how the various political parties and some independents are shaping up on climate action. The report “The Climate Crossroads: Progress, Politics and a Pivotal Election” is available on their website - www.climatecouncil.org.au
Energy expert and Climate Councillor Greg Bourne said, “The shift to renewable power is well underway and is accelerating. Solar and wind power backed by storage like big batteries is the lowest-cost, fastest and cleanest way to power our homes and businesses.
“This election political players need to commit to accelerating the clean energy transformation that is already delivering for millions of Australians. This is the only way to reduce bills and pollution.”
The report also highlighted the important role of the crossbench in the last parliament where pro-climate Independents and the Greens helped strengthen climate laws, protect clean energy investment and block public funding for fossil fuels.
Reports such as this highlight issues that many politicians would prefer did not receive any comprehensive scrutiny.
While many people understandably have major concerns about the cost of living, this federal election is about a range of issues about our future – over the course of the next three years of the new parliament and beyond.
Cost of living is what both the major parties – Coalition (Liberal and National) and Labor - are claiming as the dominant issue in the election. This is what it suits them to discuss. It’s almost as if they are saying, “Now is the time to address cost of living. When we have done that, we can look at other less urgent matters.”
Politicians should not be the arbiters on what is an issue – major or otherwise – in this or any other election.
There are many other important issues which should be considered by electors and raised by them with election candidates. These include improving action on climate change and protection of the natural world – our biodiversity. These should receive urgent attention in our next parliament.
- Leonie Blain
Originally published under the title "What is the Dominant Election Issue?" in the Voices for the Earth column in The Clarence Valley Independent ,9 April, 2025.
